Everyone has emotions, and that's a good thing. Understanding those emotions is another thing- and it's the first key to becoming healthy and whole.
Talking Points:
- Emotions are neutral- not good or bad by nature. It’s your response to your emotions that makes them helpful or hurtful. Ephesians 4:26-27
- Emotional intelligence has two components: self-awareness and other-awareness. This requires understanding how you feel plus empathizing with another person’s perspective. Romans 12:9-10
- Emotional health means you don’t chase perfection- or anything else- to prove your worth. You’re comfortable enough with yourself to admit your strengths and weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- In your family growing up, were you encouraged to show emotion? Explain. How has that shaped you as an adult?
- Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Share a time you felt anger about something. What made you feel anger? Did that emotion invoke a healthy or unhealthy response? Explain. Why is it important to not let a day go by without resolving a conflict?
- Define self-awareness in your own words. On a scale from 1-10, how in tune are you with your emotions? Explain. What would others say about you? Explain.
- For emotional health, why is it necessary to know what you’re feeling and also able to explain those emotions? Why does it become toxic when someone can’t articulate how they feel?
- Read Romans 12:9-10. What does empathy look like to you? What are some verbal and non-verbal cues that are helpful in showing empathy? In your opinion, what does it look like to genuinely show love and care for others?
- Identify 3 weaknesses to your personality and 3 strengths. Why is it important to be able to identify both?
- What has shaped your identity up to now? What are some events that have bolstered your self esteem? What are some events that have weakened it? What can you learn from both?
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean to you that you are a new creation in Christ? How does that impact the way you view yourself- your worth and purpose?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
