Question:
What role do emotions play in our Christian walk? Should the emotional level in the assembly be increased? If so, how?
Answer:
We should have joy (1 Peter 1:8). Joy comes from the Lord and is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Rejoicing in the Lord is a choice we make. The Lord commands us to rejoice (Philippians 4:4).
Joy and happiness are two different things. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy, the joy of the Lord, is in the heart even if we have problems. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, 0 God” (Psalm 42:1).
Our singing should be led of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:15). We may have joy in the Lord even if the singing in the assembly is sung slowly. Sometimes in the remembrance meeting we have joy and sorrow mingling as we remember Christ’s suffering for us.Our focus in the meetings should not be on how we’re feeling, but our focus needs to be on the Lord. Priorities – we need to give God the first-fruits, not what’s left over.