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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Episode Transcript

Paula Behrens (00:00):
As we dive into today's topic, we'll explore
emotional intelligence throughsacred biblical relationships.
Welcome to another episode ofBible Study Basics, your go-to
for exploring impactful ways tolive on purpose in Christ.
Hi, I'm Paula, your host fortoday's show, which is

(00:21):
especially designed forfaith-filled women who wear many
hats in their daily lives.
I'm truly grateful you'rejoining me today on this journey
of faithfulness and discovery.
As daughters and mothers, andfriends and leaders, we are
called to nurture ourrelationships with those around
us, while also cultivating anintimate relationship with the
Lord.
Today, we're going to take ajourney through the landscape of

(00:44):
one of the most sacredgatherings in history and draw
inspiration for our own lives.
We will begin with anemotionally charged masterpiece
the Last Supper.
Picture this it's a solemnevening.
Jesus gathers with hisdisciples for the Passover meal,
an event they have shared manytimes before.

(01:05):
Yet this night is different,filled with emotions, both
spoken and unspoken.
It is a moment that captures aspectrum of feelings
anticipation, sorrow, betrayal,love and a deep sense of purpose
.
The beginning of the LastSupper was filled with a sense
of anticipation.

(01:26):
Jesus was about to reveal hisdivine purpose and legacy, a
mission that would redefinehistory.
How often do we, too, stand onthe brink of significant moments
in our lives, filled withanticipation yet unsure what the
future holds.
Like Jesus, we are guided by ahigher purpose, even when the

(01:46):
path isn't entirely clear.
Imagine the heavy silence whenJesus announced that one of them
would betray him.
The air must have been thickwith confusion and sorrow.
Each disciple questioned Surelynot I, lord.
This moment reminds us of thepain we experience when trust is

(02:07):
broken in our own relationships.
Yet Jesus exemplified grace andlove in the face of betrayal,
teaching us that our immediatereaction to hurt can be
transformed into compassion.
In the breaking of bread andsharing of wine, jesus
demonstrated the ultimate act oflove a new covenant with

(02:28):
humanity.
The deep commitment Jesus hadto his disciples is evident in
his actions and words.
Even amidst knowledge of hisimpending suffering, he chose to
invest emotionally in hisrelationships.
How often do we express ourlove and commitment to those
around us?
As God's creations, we arewonderfully complex beings,

(02:51):
possessing not only physicalbodies but also beautifully
intricate emotions.
Today we will be talking aboutemotional intelligence from a
Christian perspective, how italigns with biblical teachings
and how it can enrich ourrelationships, our spirituality
and ultimately, our daily lives.
First, we need to define whatemotional intelligence is.

(03:14):
Well, it's the ability tounderstand not only our own
emotions, but also the emotionsof others.
For Christians, emotionalintelligence is more than a
psychological term.
It's a spiritual practice.
In Matthew 26, verses 20 through30, during the Last Supper, we
see Jesus demonstrating profoundemotional intelligence.

(03:37):
Despite knowing of Judas'simpending betrayal, Jesus
remained composed.
He discerned the emotions ofhis disciples and responded to
them with grace and truth.
This moment serves as a perfectillustration of how emotional
intelligence can guide us inaligning our responses with

(03:58):
God's love.
Through Jesus, we learn toapproach emotional challenges
with forgiveness, understandingand love.
His example teaches us to beemotionally present, honest and
compassionate even in the mosttrying of circumstances.
As Christians, understanding ouremotional triggers through the

(04:19):
lens of faith is a remarkablegift.
Emotional awareness allows usto reflect and commune with God,
seeking his guidance in ouremotional responses.
It's about tuning into what Godis revealing through our
feelings and using thoseinsights to foster a deeper
connection with him and withothers.
When we take the time to sitwith our emotions, we create a

(04:43):
sacred space for God to speakinto our lives, soothing our
hearts and providing clarity.
We become more attuned to theHoly Spirit, who guides our
thoughts and actions toward hispurposes.
Our emotional intelligenceinfluences how we relate to
others.
As we grow in understanding andexpressing our emotions, we

(05:05):
also become more empathetic andcompassionate towards others.
This transformation is vitalfor our relationships, whether
it's with family, friends or ourchurch community.
Think about Jesus at the tablewith his disciples.
He displayed empathy byconsidering their emotional
states, recognizing theirworries and addressing them with

(05:28):
love.
Incorporating these practicesrequires intentionality and
commitment as we strive to tuneour hearts toward God and others
.
In our daily interactions wecan begin by creating moments of
stillness to invite the HolySpirit into our hearts, opening
the space for divine guidance.
As we meditate on the teachingsof Jesus and reflect on his

(05:51):
ultimate display of empathy, wefind ourselves more attuned to
the needs and feelings of thosearound us.
Consider starting your morningsor winding down your evenings
with a few minutes dedicated togratitude and journaling.
This can be a powerful way toreflect on the day's events,
identifying opportunities whereyou can grow in empathy and

(06:13):
support of others.
As you write, let the calmingproperties of essential oils
like lavender or frankincensecreate an atmosphere of peace
and reflection, enhancing yourmindfulness practices.
Additionally, engage in activelistening when conversing with
others, setting asidedistractions to fully understand

(06:35):
their perspective.
Offer words of encouragementand kindness, modeling
Christ-like behavior in everyinteraction.
Remember, we're not called tosimply hear, but to genuinely
listen, to step into the shoesof others and to offer a
shoulder or hand in moments ofneed.
In doing so, we not only honorthe legacy Jesus left us, but

(06:57):
also cultivate deeperconnections rooted in love and
understanding.
Invite friends or familymembers to join you in this
journey too, so that you canexplore together how the power
of prayer, meditation andintentional living can transform
the dynamics of yourfriendships, your family and

(07:18):
your community.
In a few minutes, I will beintroducing a wonderful
technique that helps us tounderstand our feelings and to
let go of the things that do notserve us well.
Okay, so let's do a brief recap.
Today, we delved into theemotional intelligence through

(07:38):
the lens of the Last Supper.
Jesus exemplified emotionalintelligence by remaining
composed and loving, despiteknowing of Judas's betrayal.
His example teaches us toapproach emotional challenges
with grace, forgiveness andcompassion.
And, as promised, one powerfultool to enhance our emotional

(08:00):
intelligence is the AromaFreedom Technique (AFT).
By incorporating Young LivingEssential Oils in this
transformative practice, AFThelps us to identify and release
negative emotions and beliefsthat may hold us back from
emotional growth.
This technique uses thearomatic power of essential oils

(08:24):
to access the limbic system,where emotions are processed,
allowing us to gently break freefrom past limitations.
The Aroma Freedom Techniqueempowers us to embrace
positivity and clarity, helpingus to respond to life's
challenges with the same graceand poise that Jesus
demonstrated.
As we elevate our emotionalintelligence through AFT, we can

(08:47):
nurture more authenticrelationships, boost our
confidence and align ouremotions with our highest
intentions.
These sessions are a beautifulway to connect our emotional and
spiritual world, allowing us tolive more purposefully in
Christ.
As faith-filled women, cultivating emotional awareness

(09:11):
allows us to deepen ourrelationship with God and others
.
By tuning into what God revealsthrough what we are feeling, we
can foster more meaningfulconnections in our daily lives.
We can even support one anotheronline through our growing
virtual community of believers.
Consider engaging with us.

(09:32):
I want to create a space wherewe can grow and support each
other.
Feel free to use our fan notetexting feature to ask questions
or share your insights fromtoday's show.
Your voice is important to usand I love hearing from you.
As we wrap up today's episode,I encourage you to reflect on

(09:52):
the sacredness of yourrelationships and how Christ's
example can enrich them.
Let's walk this spiritualjourney together with a heart
open to love, understanding and,above all, a faith that is ever
developing.
Thank you for joining us onthis heartfelt journey where
faith meets emotionalintelligence.

(10:14):
Remember your emotions are agift from God, meant to draw you
closer to Him and to oneanother.
May you continue to walk boldlyin Christ, embracing every part
of who you are as you continueto live on purpose in Christ.
Until next time, stay blessedand take care.
Don't forget to check the shownotes to find all the links you

(10:38):
need to take the next step onyour faith-filled journey.
Thank you for being a part ofour community.
Your support and growth meansthe world to me.