1248) In the world of psychology, there is debate about whether our feelings result from our thinking or our thinking is a result of our feelings. There is good evidence for both schools of thought. My first reaction is, I can’t help what I’m feeling and as the studies have shown, there is a lot of truth in this, but perhaps this thought is used as a justification for bad behavior.

Because I can’t help what I feel, then I can’t help what my reactions are. Right? I don’t think this is a valid excuse. Why? Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to be patient with everyone. The Greek word for patient here is makrothumeó which can be translated, to be mild and slow in avenging. Slow to anger and punishment.

How in the world can I be mild and slow to anger and revenge? If my feelings result from my thinking or the other way around, I can’t help this anger. Perhaps my musing doesn’t go far enough. Maybe I should be more focused on the choices I make because of my anger.

Let’s state it – I am angry (regardless of what motivates it), now, what do I do? This is where choice comes in. I can choose to act on my anger or I can refuse to feed this fire and let it control me. This choice is not an easy one. Whenever we go against the currents of our sinful nature, it’s always difficult. It takes awareness, effort, and dependence on God to aid us with these feelings.

Whether I feel because of what I think or I think because of what I feel is really not important in this context. We are told to be patient with others and if this were out of our control, God would not ask it of us.