Emotions Are A Poor Guide
When the secessionists entered the Federal Navy Yard at Norfolk, Virginia, to take control of it for the Confederacy, Confederate General Taliaferro was disgusted that the Northern soldiers burned the ships so the Southerners couldn’t have them. He unreasonably thought their actions were utterly inappropriate (Catton, The Coming Fury, p 348). Similarly, Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney, in the Dred Scott decision, showed a great emotional commitment to the Southern position that rejected all logical arguments (McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, p 174).
It is easy to be misled by our emotions. Common sense should have indicated to General Taliaferro that his was an act of war-like aggression and that the Federal response was what any decent opposing general would do. In like manner, Chief Justice Taney, rather than rationally looking at the Dred Scott case, had such an emotional commitment to slavery that it dominated his reason.
Emotions are not intrinsically bad and can even tell us things about ourself. However, our emotions are to be ruled by the Holy Spirit (Rom 9:1, NCV). In other words, they are to be a result of His guiding and influencing our life. When that happens, we appropriately express such feelings as deep affection for fellow believers (Rom 12:10, NJB). Our emotions won’t be stifled but will be fitting for the situation and suitably conveyed. However, when our feelings aren’t under the direction and influence of God’s Spirit, they can direct us and become our god (Phil 3:19, GW). The Pharisees, for instance, had God the Son Incarnate speaking to them but rejected Him because their feelings were hurt by what He said about them (Mt 15:12, TEV). Instead of humbly and prayerfully reflecting on the truth of what Christ said, then repenting, they were directed by their hurt feelings. The result? They hardened their heart toward God the Son and even had Him murdered. Being guided by our feelings can be destructive. We are to be directed by our faith (Rom 14:23).
Comforting others is costly but worth it.