Part One Here

The emotional life is characterized by love

Children of light love lots of good things. They love people. They love their own life and who they are. All of life comes from God, so whatever comes their way has purpose. Tough times in life are opportunities to learn more. Even if they suffer unjustly, there is deep joy as they are confident in their God. 

We need a life of love in a world that is fractious and contentious. Love is not a feeling along. It is not simply an emotion but an act of the will. The hardest object of love in the world is something the Lord himself commands: 

Love your enemies.

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matt. 5:43-44, NIV)

Anger does not control a child of the light. Fear, anxiety, etc., will not be the controlling emotions in the life of a child of the light. Their deepest motivation is driven by the example of Jesus, hanging on the cross, declaring, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”