How to Turn Negative Emotions Into Positive Ones?

Everyone surely has what we call emotions. Whether they are emotions positive or negative. From what I found on Google, emotion is a reaction to something or someone that is very intense but lasts only a short time. 

Having emotions is something normal. Emotions can make us joyful or excited, and on the other hand can also make us cry or angry. All those feelings are normal.  

Positive Emotions, A Better Life

However, did you know that emotions can determine a person's success? The ability to recognize and control feelings can determine their future.

So, the ability to recognize, control, and arrange emotions feelings is what is called Emotional Quotient, or EQ. According to research, someone with a high EQ may be more successful in life than someone with high intellectual intelligence (IQ, Intellectual Quotient) .

This is because people with high EQ are able to control emotions, show empathy, and also build relationships. This ability to manage emotions and relationships will greatly affect their character, which will influence the course of their life.

As Christians, we also need to have a high EQ. Why? Because a good EQ is connected with self-control. Self-control will certainly make it easier for us to do what is good in God's sight.

Negative Emotions and How to Change Them

Even so, self-control is indeed not easy. Emotions positive and negative will alternate over time. What about when we face emotions that are negative?

It turns out the Bible has the answer. Let's take a look!

Anger

Ephesians 4:26-27 If you become angry, do not sin: do not let the sun go down before your anger subsides, and do not give the devil an opportunity

Is there any one of us who has never been angry? Of course we have all been angry, whether angry a little or angry a lot. Anger is one of the emotions that is normal, even though it is unpleasant. Indeed, there are times when we need to be angry for the sake of what is right. However, anger that is uncontrolled will lead us into sin.

How do we control anger? In Ephesians it says:

you may be angry, but do not sin. What does that mean? For example, when we are angry, make sure that we have self-control. That way, we will avoid sinful actions.

Settle that anger on the same day. This means, for example, if we are upset with a child or a friend, and without realizing it we become emotional and words that are not wise come out, immediately apologize or make peace with that person, so that the devil does not take the opportunity to make us fall into sin. In this way we have responded positively.

Worry

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything make your desires known to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Who has been free from worry since the pandemic changed the world? It seems that not only the general public has been affected. Even large companies have collapsed one by one. The future also feels dark.

Living in worry is certainly not pleasant. The mind feels chaotic, emotions are drained as well.

How do we face it? When we worry, we need to come to the Lord in prayer. From there we receive peace.

The book of Philippians teaches us to bring all our desires in prayer, with supplication and thanksgiving. In this way, we will receive the peace given by God, which surpasses all understanding. That means a peace that does not make sense, yet we can feel it and it is real.

As a result, our hearts and minds are continually guarded in Christ. 

Sadness and Depression

Isaiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans of peace and not of disaster, to give you a future full of hope.

Losing something, whether possessions, a loved one, or a job, is certainly not easy. Sadness and grief that arise can lead to depression.

How do we face it? When sadness and depression surround us, we need to remember again the goodness of God in our lives. God still has a plan for us too, namely peace, not to harm us, and a future full of hope.

When dreams are not as beautiful as reality, when hope does not match desire, it does not mean you are unfortunate and a failure. God has a more beautiful plan. Let us entrust our dreams and plans to God. Let God bring His dreams and plans to pass in your life, according to His will.

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The three points above are only some of the emotions negative ones that can be changed into positive ones. Remember, everything is possible because of God's power and goodness. Let us keep trusting in God, so that our lives align with His direction.

Together with God, nothing is impossible! God bless!

Related Articles:

• When God Wept - Luke 19:41
• Parental Love: Prioritizing the Heart, Not Appearance
• The Importance of Self-Awareness in Spiritual Life
• Free from Loneliness
• The Secret Recipe of True Joy

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