The Spiritual Gift Of Emotions
Rev. Erik Swanson
May 17, 2026
The passage from Matthew chapter 10, verses 16-31 challenges me. Jesus is talking with his disciples about what he wants them to do and what challenges they will face. It challenges me to rethink what scripture and faith are really meant to do. I often want scripture to comfort me, reassure me, and make me feel good. Yet I realize that many passages in the Bible are not warm or soothing at all. Instead, they stir something deeper within me. They awaken me, challenge me, and invite me to grow. I have come to see that sermons and sacred teachings are not simply about comfort; they are about transformation. They call me to pay attention to what is stirred up inside me — what excites me, disturbs me, angers me, or moves me — because those reactions can become the starting point for deeper insight and spiritual growth.
Emotions Are Not The Enemy
I am struck by the idea that emotions themselves are not something to fear or avoid. In many ways, our culture has forgotten how to deal with emotions in healthy ways. We are often taught either to suppress them or to let them explode unchecked. Political systems, media, and even social interactions frequently manipulate emotions in order to divide people, create fear, or provoke outrage. Yet emotions are not the enemy. They are gifts that reveal what is happening within me and around me.
I recognize how quickly emotions can shift. I am not always in the same emotional place from one day to the next, or even from one moment to another. Yet in the heat of the moment, emotions can feel overwhelming and absolute. They can shape how I see the world, how I listen to others, and how I respond. Sometimes emotions inspire courage, compassion, creativity, or truth-telling. Other times they can lead to recklessness, hurtful reactions, or regret. The emotions themselves are not bad, but what I choose to do with them matters deeply.
Emotions Can Carry Wisdom
One of the most important realizations in this reflection is that there are no “bad” emotions. Some emotions are painful or uncomfortable, but they still carry wisdom. Sadness, anger, helplessness, and frustration can reveal compassion, injustice, insecurity, or unmet needs. For example, anger may point to situations where dignity is being denied or harm is being done. Instead of condemning myself for feeling angry, I can ask what the anger is trying to reveal. Emotions can become indicators of deeper truths and even provide the energy needed to take meaningful action.
Spiritual Maturity Is Measured By How We Act
At the same time, I am reminded that spiritual maturity is measured not by what we feel, but by how we act. Even Jesus experienced anger, yet he directed it toward justice and healing rather than destruction. My actions flowing from emotion can either build compassion and wholeness or create pain and division. That is why emotional awareness is so important. I need to learn to recognize my emotions, name them honestly, and listen to what they are telling me before reacting impulsively.
Healthy Spiritual Distance
Another powerful tool is what St. Ignatius described as “healthy spiritual distance.” I can step back from my emotions just enough to observe them instead of being consumed by them. I am not my emotions; I can learn from them without letting them control me. This practice helps prevent emotional overwhelm and harmful reactions.
Emotions Are Gifts
Ultimately, I am reminded that emotions are part of how I was created. They are gifts that can lead me closer to God, closer to compassion, and closer to my truest self. But they also require wisdom, awareness, and practice. In a world filled with fear, anger, and division, I want to learn how to let my emotions deepen my humanity rather than diminish it.