Emotional balance prompts growth

Emotions are a gift. They tell us something about our hearts, our experiences, and our connections with others.

But how we express emotions can either bring growth and healing or cause pain and distance.

When we take the time to reflect on our emotions ‒ where they come from, how they affect us, and how they shape our relationships ‒ we open the door to transformation.

But what happens when emotions are ignored, dismissed, or expressed recklessly? People shut down. They become defensive. Vulnerability starts to feel unsafe.

This is especially true for those in ministry, where emotions can be seen as a chink in the armour rather than a bridge to connection.

I’ve seen many in ministry wrestle with the belief that they must always be strong, always composed, always above the emotional weight that others carry.

But this expectation is not only unrealistic ‒ it’s damaging. We are human. We feel. We struggle. And pretending otherwise only isolates us further.

Understanding emotions

When emotions are expressed with honesty and care, they create space for real connection.

They allow others to see that vulnerability is not weakness ‒ it’s courage.

When people witness leaders embracing their emotions in healthy ways, they, too, learn that it’s okay to feel deeply. That emotions aren’t something to fear, but something to understand.

At the same time, emotions ‒ if left unchecked ‒ can overwhelm us. They can cloud our judgment, hurt our relationships, and leave us exhausted.

The key is balance: not suppressing what we feel but expressing our emotions in a way that leads to growth rather than harm.

… story continues