45 | Emotional Intelligence & Spiritual Growth: Closer to God

Get the Full Episode Here: Emotional Intelligence Grounded in Scripture: A Guide for Believers

Dive into an enriching exploration of emotional intelligence as we reflect on the biblical text. In this engaging episode, we uncover how Jesus exemplified profound emotional awareness and grace—particularly amidst feelings of betrayal and sorrow. By navigating the complexities of human emotions, we learn valuable lessons on how to approach our relationships with love, understanding, and compassion. 

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Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:00

As we dive into today's topic, we'll explore emotional intelligence through sacred biblical relationships. Welcome to another episode of Bible Study Basics, your go-to for exploring impactful ways to live on purpose in Christ. Hi, I'm Paula, your host for today's show, which is especially designed for faith-filled women who wear many hats in their daily lives. I'm truly grateful you're joining me today on this journey of faithfulness and discovery. As daughters and mothers, and friends and leaders, we are called to nurture our relationships with those around us, while also cultivating an intimate relationship with the Lord. Today, we're going to take a journey through the landscape of one of the most sacred gatherings in history and draw inspiration for our own lives. We will begin with an emotionally charged masterpiece the Last Supper. Picture this it's a solemn evening. Jesus gathers with his disciples for the Passover meal, an event they have shared many times before. Yet this night is different, filled with emotions, both spoken and unspoken. It is a moment that captures a spectrum of feelings anticipation, sorrow, betrayal, love and a deep sense of purpose. The beginning of the Last Supper was filled with a sense of anticipation. Jesus was about to reveal his divine purpose and legacy, a mission that would redefine history. How often do we, too, stand on the brink of significant moments in our lives, filled with anticipation yet unsure what the future holds. Like Jesus, we are guided by a higher purpose, even when the path isn't entirely clear. Imagine the heavy silence when Jesus announced that one of them would betray him. The air must have been thick with confusion and sorrow. Each disciple questioned Surely not I, lord. This moment reminds us of the pain we experience when trust is broken in our own relationships. Yet Jesus exemplified grace and love in the face of betrayal, teaching us that our immediate reaction to hurt can be transformed into compassion. In the breaking of bread and sharing of wine, jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love a new covenant with humanity. The deep commitment Jesus had to his disciples is evident in his actions and words. Even amidst knowledge of his impending suffering, he chose to invest emotionally in his relationships. How often do we express our love and commitment to those around us? As God's creations, we are wonderfully complex beings, possessing not only physical bodies but also beautifully intricate emotions.

Paula Behrens: 2:56

Today we will be talking about emotional intelligence from a Christian perspective, how it aligns with biblical teachings and how it can enrich our relationships, our spirituality and ultimately, our daily lives. First, we need to define what emotional intelligence is. Well, it's the ability to understand not only our own emotions, but also the emotions of others. For Christians, emotional intelligence is more than a psychological term. It's a spiritual practice.

Paula Behrens: 3:28

In Matthew 26, verses 20 through 30, during the Last Supper, we see Jesus demonstrating profound emotional intelligence. Despite knowing of Judas's impending betrayal, Jesus remained composed. He discerned the emotions of his disciples and responded to them with grace and truth. This moment serves as a perfect illustration of how emotional intelligence can guide us in aligning our responses with God's love. Through Jesus, we learn to approach emotional challenges with forgiveness, understanding and love. His example teaches us to be emotionally present, honest and compassionate even in the most trying of circumstances.

Paula Behrens: 4:15

As Christians, understanding our emotional triggers through the lens of faith is a remarkable gift. Emotional awareness allows us to reflect and commune with God, seeking his guidance in our emotional responses. It's about tuning into what God is revealing through our feelings and using those insights to foster a deeper connection with him and with others. When we take the time to sit with our emotions, we create a sacred space for God to speak into our lives, soothing our hearts and providing clarity. We become more attuned to the Holy Spirit, who guides our thoughts and actions toward his purposes. Our emotional intelligence influences how we relate to others. As we grow in understanding and expressing our emotions, we also become more empathetic and compassionate towards others. This transformation is vital for our relationships, whether it's with family, friends or our church community.

Paula Behrens: 5:18

Think about Jesus at the table with his disciples. He displayed empathy by considering their emotional states, recognizing their worries and addressing them with love. Incorporating these practices requires intentionality and commitment as we strive to tune our hearts toward God and others. In our daily interactions we can begin by creating moments of stillness to invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, opening the space for divine guidance. As we meditate on the teachings of Jesus and reflect on his ultimate display of empathy, we find ourselves more attuned to the needs and feelings of those around us.

Paula Behrens: 5:59

Consider starting your mornings or winding down your evenings with a few minutes dedicated to gratitude and journaling. This can be a powerful way to reflect on the day's events, identifying opportunities where you can grow in empathy and support of others. As you write, let the calming properties of essential oils like lavender or frankincense create an atmosphere of peace and reflection, enhancing your mindfulness practices. Additionally, engage in active listening when conversing with others, setting aside distractions to fully understand their perspective. Offer words of encouragement and kindness, modeling Christ-like behavior in every interaction. Remember, we're not called to simply hear, but to genuinely listen, to step into the shoes of others and to offer a shoulder or hand in moments of need. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy Jesus left us, but also cultivate deeper connections rooted in love and understanding. Invite friends or family members to join you in this journey too, so that you can explore together how the power of prayer, meditation and intentional living can transform the dynamics of your friendships, your family and your community.

Paula Behrens: 7:20

In a few minutes, I will be introducing a wonderful technique that helps us to understand our feelings and to let go of the things that do not serve us well. Okay, so let's do a brief recap. Today, we delved into the emotional intelligence through the lens of the Last Supper. Jesus exemplified emotional intelligence by remaining composed and loving, despite knowing of Judas's betrayal. His example teaches us to approach emotional challenges with grace, forgiveness and compassion.

Paula Behrens: 7:56

And, as promised, one powerful tool to enhance our emotional intelligence is the Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT). By incorporating Young Living Essential Oils in this transformative practice, AFT helps us to identify and release negative emotions and beliefs that may hold us back from emotional growth. This technique uses the aromatic power of essential oils to access the limbic system, where emotions are processed, allowing us to gently break free from past limitations. The Aroma Freedom Technique empowers us to embrace positivity and clarity, helping us to respond to life's challenges with the same grace and poise that Jesus demonstrated. As we elevate our emotional intelligence through AFT, we can nurture more authentic relationships, boost our confidence and align our emotions with our highest intentions.

Paula Behrens: 8:55

These sessions are a beautiful way to connect our emotional and spiritual world, allowing us to live more purposefully in Christ. As faith-filled women, c ultivating emotional awareness allows us to deepen our relationship with God and others. By tuning into what God reveals through what we are feeling, we can foster more meaningful connections in our daily lives. We can even support one another online through our growing virtual community of believers. Consider engaging with us. I want to create a space where we can grow and support each other.

Paula Behrens: 9:37

Feel free to use our fan note texting feature to ask questions or share your insights from today's show. Your voice is important to us and I love hearing from you. As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage you to reflect on the sacredness of your relationships and how Christ's example can enrich them. Let's walk this spiritual journey together with a heart open to love, understanding and, above all, a faith that is ever developing. Thank you for joining us on this heartfelt journey where faith meets emotional intelligence. Remember your emotions are a gift from God, meant to draw you closer to Him and to one another. May you continue to walk boldly in Christ, embracing every part of who you are as you continue to live on purpose in Christ. Until next time, stay blessed and take care. Don't forget to check the show notes to find all the links you need to take the next step on your faith-filled journey. Thank you for being a part of our community. Your support and growth means the world to me.