March 14th | Emotions and Attitudes

Reject a quid pro quo mindset toward others—loving and treating people well regardless of how they treat us.

In 1 John 2:5-6, John ties love for God (which is perfected through obedience) directly to living as Jesus lived. That "walking as He walked" isn't just mechanical actions—it's a whole-life imitation that includes the heart's orientation. Jesus Himself modeled a full range of human emotions: compassion that moved Him to heal, righteous anger at injustice (like cleansing the temple), deep sorrow and tears (at Lazarus's tomb), joy in the Spirit, and even agony in Gethsemane. Yet His emotions were never detached from obedience to the Father; they were expressed in alignment with God's will and love.

Attitudes—our settled ways of thinking, valuing, and responding—are often the bridge between fleeting emotions and consistent obedience. For example:

- An attitude of humility allows emotions like frustration or hurt (when others mistreat us) to be channeled into forgiveness and love, rather than bitterness or hatred.

- An attitude of trust in God's goodness helps us move through fear, grief, or disappointment without abandoning obedience.

- When we cultivate Christlike attitudes (Philippians 2:5: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus"), our emotions become more aligned with His—love that persists even when feelings fluctuate, patience that endures provocation, joy that isn't circumstance-dependent.

Reject a quid pro quo mindset toward others—loving and treating people well regardless of how they treat us. That's exactly where emotions and attitudes meet obedience. Hatred or resentment might feel "natural" as an emotion, but a Christ-formed attitude refuses to let it take root or dictate actions (Ephesians 4:31-32). We "try" to live like Jesus not by suppressing emotions, but by submitting them to His example: feeling deeply, yet choosing love, mercy, and righteousness every time.

So yes—emotions matter as much as attitudes in this pursuit. They're not the boss (we don't live by feelings alone), but they're not irrelevant either. When we're abiding in Him, the Holy Spirit works to transform both: renewing our minds (attitudes) and producing fruit like love, joy, peace, and kindness (emotions that reflect His character). The goal isn't emotionless obedience or feeling-driven living—it's a heart so united with Christ's that our emotions, attitudes, and actions all flow from the same source: love for God made complete in us.