Chevaunne Shine | Canadian Babe Turned Naija Wife | Understanding emotions

How Understanding Your Emotions Strengthens Your Faith

Let’s be real—understanding your emotions can be a lot. One minute you’re full of joy, the next you’re overwhelmed, and suddenly you’re crying in the car over a worship song. Sound familiar?

As Christian women, we’re often taught to manage our emotions, but not always how to understand them. And sometimes, we confuse emotional intelligence with being quiet, passive, or “keeping the peace.” But here’s the truth:
👉🏽 God created your emotions. He just didn’t create them to lead you—He created them to inform you.

Learning emotional intelligence isn’t just a self-help trend. It’s a spiritual tool. Let’s talk about how understanding your emotions can strengthen your walk with God, your relationships, and your identity.


What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and express your emotions—while also being sensitive to the emotions of others. It’s not about suppressing how you feel; it’s about stewarding your feelings with wisdom and grace.

Emotional intelligence includes:

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-regulation
  • Empathy
  • Social skills
  • Motivation

It’s not perfection—it’s growth. And as Christian women, it allows us to respond with grace over reaction, and truth over triggers.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Christian Women

1. Jesus Was Emotionally Intelligent

When we think about Jesus, we often picture His power and His peace—but He also had deep emotional intelligence.

  • He wept (John 11:35).
  • He felt compassion (Mark 6:34).
  • He got angry at injustice (Mark 11:15–17).
  • He withdrew to pray when overwhelmed (Luke 5:16).

Jesus felt deeply, but He never sinned in His feelings. He processed them with the Father and acted from a place of love, truth, and clarity.

2. You Can’t Heal What You Won’t Acknowledge

Ignoring emotions doesn’t make you stronger—it makes you disconnected. Emotional intelligence helps you identify what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Sis Tip: When you feel triggered, pause and ask: “What’s the deeper message here?” Is it fear? Rejection? Unmet expectations?

Naming your emotions invites God into them. That’s where healing begins.

3. Your Relationships Need a Spirit-Led You, Not a Suppressed You

Marriage, friendships, ministry, family—every relationship you have thrives when you’re emotionally aware. You’ll communicate better, set healthy boundaries, and love others without losing yourself in the process.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

Emotional intelligence helps you live out wisdom like this—not just read it.

How to Grow in Emotional Intelligence (and Stay Rooted in Christ)

🧠 1. Practice Self-Reflection

Create space to regularly ask:

  • What am I feeling?
  • Why am I feeling this way?
  • What truth do I need to remind myself of?

This can be done through journaling, prayer, or simply sitting in silence.

Chevaunne Shine | Canadian Babe Turned Naija Wife |  Understanding emotions

🙏🏽 2. Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Emotional Life

God cares about your feelings. The Holy Spirit is called a Comforter for a reason. Ask Him to help you discern between emotional truth and spiritual truth—and where they align.

💬 3. Learn to Respond, Not React

Pause before speaking. Breathe. Pray. Then respond. This takes practice, but it saves so many relationships and protects your peace.

❤️ 4. Cultivate Compassion for Others

Everyone is processing something you can’t see. Empathy doesn’t mean accepting harmful behavior—it means holding space for understanding and choosing love over judgment.

Conclusion: Your Emotions Are Messengers, Not Masters

Sis, your emotions are not the enemy. They are tools. You were never meant to be ruled by your feelings, but you were absolutely meant to learn from them.

Understanding your emotions, emotional intelligence, is not about becoming emotionally numb—it’s about becoming spiritually wise.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t shut down. Tune in. Let God meet you in your feelings. Let Him refine your responses. And remember, being a woman of faith doesn’t mean being emotionless—it means being spirit-led.

You’re not too much. You’re not too emotional.
You’re learning. You’re growing. You’re healing.
And sis—that is holy work.

What truths have your emotions helped you to understand about yourself and the circumstances you enter? Let’s talk in the comments.

Sign Up for your own printable copy of this Emotional Check-In guide.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *