18 Aug Emotional Intelligence for Evangelicals

There is no breaking news in heaven for the California (Beverly Hills) incident, the burning of many houses of Hollywood actors including the smashing of Kamala Harris’ house, India’s second time win in Championship of women in the World Cup U-19 (against South Africa), or for the lakhs of people who gathered in UP for the Maha Kumbh mela.

David Vetter, born with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), died at the age of twelve after spending his entire life in a bubble nicknamed ‘The Bubble Boy’. His parents had lost their first son to the same disease and were determined to protect their second-born. To prolong his life, NASA engineers designed a plastic protection bubble as well as a space suit, so his parents could hold David Vetter even in the outside world. How we all long to protect those we love!

King David who was wronged by Nabal, the foolish husband of Abigail, in a rogue moment, sought revenge by his own hands. Abigail rushed to meet him with a wise reminder. “Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God…” (1 Sam 25:29). The concept of bundle conveys the idea of gathering up valuable items so the owner can protectively carry them. Abigail reminded David that God wanted to carry him in a protective bundle. He was safest in God’s hands, rather than in his own. We do well to work to protect others when they need it, but it is only in God’s perfect care that they are truly safe.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies,” 1 Cor 6:19-20

Many people focus on physical fitness, but what about spiritual fitness? As evangelicals, we are called to be Fit for Christ, meaning we must be physically, spiritually, and mentally prepared to serve Him. Being Fit for Christ is not only about outward appearance but also about inward discipline and devotion.

Spiritual Fitness – Training in Godliness

1 Tim 4:8 says, –“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Just as an athlete trains regularly, we must engage in spiritual exercises:

Prayer – Staying connected to God (1 Thess 5:16-18).

Bible Study – Knowing and applying God’s Word (Jos 1:8).

Fasting–Strengthening spiritual discipline (Matt 6:16-18).

Fellowship – Encouraging one another (Heb 10:24-25).

Imagine a bodybuilder who never eats but only lifts weights. Eventually, he will collapse because he lacks nourishment. Similarly, if anyone tries to serve the Lord without spiritual nourishment (prayer, Bible study) he will burn out.

Physical Fitness – Honouring God with our Bodies
Rom 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.”
Taking care of our bodies helps us serve effectively. This includes avoiding harmful habits (substance abuse, gluttony, laziness) and getting enough rest, exercise, and proper nutrition. A missionary once suffered from severe health issues because he neglected his body while serving. When he started taking care of his physical health, he could minister more effectively. Our bodies are tools for God’s work — if they break down, our effectiveness decreases.

Mental and Emotional Fitness – Renewing Our Minds

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” (Rom 12:2).

Guarding our thoughts and emotions, filling our minds with what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8).

Overcoming stress and anxiety through faith in Christ (Mt 11:28-30).

A runner doesn’t just train his/her legs; rather he/she also trains the mind to endure long distances. Similarly, Christians must train their minds to withstand spiritual challenges by focusing on God’s truth.

Being Fit for Christ means training spiritually, caring for our physical health, and renewing our minds. Let us remember as graduates, students and staff that we are called to be ready for every good work (2 Tim 2:21). Let us commit to a lifestyle that glorifies God in every aspect — body, mind and soul.

In this digital generation, everyone learning and using Artificial Intelligence (AI), neglects the Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being aware of and influencing the emotions of others. As believers, developing spiritual emotional intelligence helps us reflect Christ’s character, build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges with wisdom.

1. Recognizing and Managing Our Emotions
Imagine a driver who lets road rage take over and causes an accident. Uncontrolled emotions can lead to destruction, but a wise person remains calm and avoids unnecessary damage. “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end,” Prov 29:11.
Emotions are God-given, but they must be controlled and aligned to His Word. Our Lord Jesus Himself expressed emotions (anger, compassion, sorrow) in a righteous and controlled way. We can recognise and manage our emotions by:

• Pause and Pray before reacting (Jam 1:19-20).
• Reflect on God’s truth rather than acting on feelings alone.
• Practice self-control through the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

2. Developing Empathy – Understanding Others’ Emotions
Jesus showed deep empathy — He wept with those in pain (Jn 11:35). Being emotionally intelligent in faith means Listening actively to others (Jam 1:19), Being compassionate even when we disagree, and encouraging and uplifting others in their struggles (1 Thess 5:11). Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Rom 12:15).
A friend struggling with depression doesn’t need just a Bible verse but a listening ear and a caring heart. Jesus met people where they were before leading them to the truth.

3. Responding to Conflict with Wisdom
Emotional intelligence helps us handle conflicts in a Christ-like way if we Respond, don’t react – Speak with grace, not anger (Col 4:6). ii) Seek reconciliation – Forgiveness is key (Eph 4:31-32). iii) Control your words – A gentle answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1). An EGF leader once faced harsh criticism but responded with patience and kindness. Instead of escalating the conflict, he diffused it and built stronger relationships. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” (Mt 5:9).

4. Strengthening Our Faith
A believer facing job loss chose to trust God rather than panic. Through faith, they found peace and new opportunities, showing emotional and spiritual maturity. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Phil 4:6-7). Emotional intelligence in faith means:

• Trusting God instead of being led by fear or anxiety.
• Cultivating gratitude and joy, even in trials (1 Thess 5:16-18).
• Allowing God’s peace to rule over your emotions.

Spiritual emotional intelligence is about managing our emotions, understanding others, handling conflict wisely, and trusting God. The more we surrender our emotions to Christ, the more we reflect His love and wisdom. Let us ask God to help us grow mature emotionally and spiritually.

Our God who created each one of us knows our weaknesses, desires and how easily we are tempted. But as 1 Cor 12:10-13 reminds us, we can ask Him for help. God is so faithful He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. Paul says that when you are tempted (God) will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. The way out could be healthy fear of the consequences, a guilty conscience, remembering Scripture, a timely distraction or something else. As we ask God for strength, the Spirit will turn our eyes from what’s tempting us and help us look toward the way out that He has given us. God is faithful and always provides, He has blessed us with gifts and talents and resources to be a blessing to others. Let us not hide or dismiss our gifts but use them for His glory.

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Dr Israel Raju did his masters and doctoral degree from Andhra University, formerly Editor of Vidyardhi Jwala, AP Magazine, presently CND member (SZ), also working as Assoc. Professor (MBA) in a Private Engineering College, actively involved in student ministry for the last three decades. He resides in Visakhapatnam (AP) with his wife Beulah and they are blessed with 2 children, Hadassah and Enoch, both of whom have completed graduation and are involved in ministry.