I am naturally a happy person who enjoys life.
When asked, “How are you?” my default response is, “I am super.” This generally means I feel healthy, my family and I are doing well, and my work and family life are reasonably balanced. It does not imply that my life is perfect.
At times, I struggle when I see others caught in a perpetual state of melancholy.
I totally understand that not everyone has a naturally sanguine personality. However, this does not negate Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 22:37: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
We are emotional beings, and the Lord calls us to love Him with our emotions as well as our intelligence. Our invitation is to love and serve Him wholeheartedly, not partially. We are meant to experience God’s love emotionally, not only to comprehend it intellectually.
This perspective is empowering for people like me, who are naturally social and extroverted. I’ve learned that emotions motivate us to take action — they inspire us.
However, emotions are not intended for decision-making; we make decisions with our minds, minds that are transformed (Rom. 12:2). Like our minds, our emotions should be guided by God’s word and His spirit. Unchecked, uncensored emotions can lead to improper motivations, which can result in less-than-wholesome actions.
Recently, I’ve been learning that every personality type can love the Lord with their entire heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus taught. While I may be expressive, others may be reflective, analytical, or contemplative in their love for God. Whatever our natural disposition, we can all be emotionally invested in God’s love.
What do you think?
Junior Spooner is the pastor of Kinnaird Church of God.
