Wellness Wednesday – “Strengthening Your Spiritual Health Through Emotional Regulation”
This week we continue exploring the GPS Spiritual Inventory, focusing on the second component of spiritual wellness—Personal: your level of self-differentiation. One of the key markers of self-differentiation is emotional regulation, a crucial aspect of spiritual wellness that allows us to respond to life’s challenges with wisdom rather than impulsivity.
The Power of Emotional Regulation
Emotions are not the enemy; they are powerful indicators of what we value, how we perceive the world, and how deeply we care. However, emotions must not dictate our actions. Emotional regulation is the ability to recognize emotions without letting them control our decisions. Forgiveness, for example, is closely tied to emotional regulation—it frees us from emotional entanglement and restores our ability to act with clarity and intention.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:23 that self-control is one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, listed last, perhaps because it is the most difficult to cultivate. Yet, a person with strong emotional regulation likely exhibits the other fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. In essence, emotional regulation is not about suppressing emotions but allowing the Spirit to transform our responses so that they reflect God’s love, which is expressed most clearly in the person and saving work of Jesus.
The Challenge of the Amygdala Hijack
Stressful situations often trigger our brain’s “fight or flight” response, known as an amygdala hijack. When this happens, the body releases cortisol, preventing us from engaging our prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for rational thought and discernment. This is why, in high-stress moments, we may react in ways we later regret.
Imagine sitting in a contentious church council meeting. A heated comment is made, and suddenly, anger wells up within you. Before you know it, words fly out of your mouth that you would never say under normal circumstances. The result? A meeting derailed by conflict, relationships strained, and personal regret over how you handled the situation. Unregulated emotions not only affect our personal well-being but also ripple through our relationships, influencing our ability to reflect Christ’s love.
The good news? Emotional regulation can be cultivated. Through mindful responses, deep breathing, and prayer, we can train our bodies and minds to engage our “rest and digest” response, allowing us to approach challenges with wisdom rather than reactivity.
The Ripple Effect of Emotions
Emotions, whether positive or negative, are contagious. Research shows that negative emotions spread more rapidly than positive ones. Fear, anger, or anxiety can quickly consume a family, congregation, or community. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of peace in a world driven by division. Romans 12:2 encourages us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” This renewal is not passive; it requires intentional effort to shift our highest attachment from people or circumstances to Jesus, the true source of our security and peace.
Turning Emotion Into Loving Action
Emotional regulation is not about eliminating emotions but channeling them for good. Our deepest joys, most profound moments of connection, and passionate pursuits are all fueled by emotion. Jesus’ entire ministry is filled with emotional moments in His interactions with others. How human of Jesus! When we allow God’s love to transform our emotional responses, our emotions no longer become stumbling blocks in relationships—they become bridges that connect us to others. As 1 John 4:10-11 reminds us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to cultivate greater emotional regulation and deepen your spiritual well-being? The GPS Spiritual Inventory is a valuable tool designed to help you reflect on your relationship with God and identify areas for growth. Click the link below to take the assessment and begin your journey toward greater spiritual health. Use the code “tguse” to access the inventory free of charge.
After completing the assessment, reach out to schedule a complimentary coaching session to debrief your results and explore practical next steps. Let’s make 2025 a year of spiritual growth and transformation as we learn to trust in God’s unfailing love and respond to life’s challenges with wisdom, grace, and peace.
[Take the GPS Spiritual Inventory]
