1. HandlingNegative Emotions God’s plan for when Things go wrong And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… (Hebrews 10:24 ESV)
2. Human EmotionsAre Very Complex When I searched the internet for a list of human emotions, I discovered every theoretician has a different list and some are quite involved.
3. Human EmotionsAre Very Complex So, I turned to a simpler approach that is more my speed… SesameStreet. To watch video, mouse-over image, then CLICK THE PLAY button.
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5. Emotions are not “good” or “bad” in and of themselves; what matters is what we do with our emotions
6. We live in a broken world because of sin and things don’t always work right
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8. This Sermon Series Is Not: A substitute for your Doctor regarding the use of psychotropic drugs. I am not a doctor and would never presume to tell you to get on or off a prescription drug. Biblically speaking, I have no problem with using a drug to help handle emotions as long as… The drug doesn’t impair your judgment (Eph. 5:18) The drug doesn’t become an addiction (1Cor. 6:12) The drug isn’t a substitute for dealing with the root problem* *Some emotional problems have an organic or medical cause and can be treated medically, but psychotropic drugs are not curative, they only mask the symptoms
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10. Teaching you how to never feel negative emotions (that would be unhealthy)
11. An excuse for not seeing a counselor (Having emotional problems doesn’t mean you are crazy; just fairly normal. Please talk to someone.)
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13. Read the following Bible story… CONTEXT David is still running from King Saul at this point in his life. Saul is persecuting him for no reason. David has collected a following of misfits and outcasts that are loyal to him. From time to time David fought the Philistines, the enemy of Israel. Apparently David and his men had voluntarily provided protection for Nabal’s shepherds CLICK HEREto read the story.
14. Ask yourself the following questions… What were Nabal’s emotions when David’s men talked to him? What about when Abigail told him what she had done? What were Abigail’s emotions when she heard the news? What about after she talked to David? What about after her husband died? What were David’s emotions when he heard of Nabal’s response to his request? What about after Abigail talked to him? What about after Nabal died? Could you be an “Abigail” in someone’s life? Has anyone ever helped you like she helped David?
15. Consider these things… Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) Who was the peacemaker in this story? Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) Who was the avenger in this story? And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works… (Hebrews 10:24) Whose job is it to help other believers do the right thing?
