Not long ago, I encountered a situation that again brought me back to the life-progressing, revelation truth of being led by God’s truth over feelings.  Different situations I’ve encountered have made putting emotions second challenging, especially when I have compassion for the situation.  But the practice/discipline of living by God’s truth before emotions is a spiritual muscle that has to be excercised for us to truly grow spiritually, be effective in ministry, and most importantly, invest precious pearls into one’s relationship with God and truly bring blessings to His Name.
I recently went to visit someone I’ve known for decades, who passionately shared some exciting news in his life; that he had a girlfriend.  He had lost his wife of 60 years the year before and now he had someone to do activities with and keep him company at anytime, especially when his relatives weren’t as available.  It seemed like such a blessing that he now had someone to spend his time with and I was so happy for him.  That was, until I learned the details of the situation and how little it lined up with God’s values…
After visiting for a little while, he was eager to introduce me to her, to which I was willing and curious.  On our way over to her place I asked him if she had ever been married, to which I was unprepared for the answer I recieved.  “She still is” he responded without a trace of guilt.  I had to process that for a second because it hit me unexpectedly.  “WHAT?  Is she planning on getting a divorce?” I asked.  “No” he answered.  The meeting was unsettling for me and put me in a place where I truly longed for this widower to be happy and stay active, but I’m more passionate about and value standing for God’s truths and seriousness of marriage.  Divorce isn’t good, but it would be better than for the woman to bring someone else into the picture before letting go of the last person.
It was when they made the decision to move in together that I felt confirmation to intentionally address the situation.  I had already determined in my mind to intentionally go visit, just to visit, but now I also had a message if brought up.  I prayed into it and it was indeed brought up, for he inquired about my opinion of the circumstance.  I addressed God’s values to both him and the lady, while assuring him of my love despite the issue (as Jesus always modeled).
No matter how much compassion I have for him, though, the truth is that there is a better way than with a married woman.  And by these choices, they are letting the kingdom of darkness have influence in their lives.
Some may have been taught that love means to just be accepting, or perhaps they are being led fully by their feelings.  Feelings aren’t always reliable.  Consider the times where God does not feel present or anywhere near; the Word though, says that He never leaves us or forsakes us (Dueteronomy 31:6/Hebrew 13:5). Another example is when King David committed adultery with a married woman, Bathsheba, by following his feelings of lust as he saw her naked from his roof.  God’s truth, however, says that it was inappropriate and sinful for him to sleep with someone else’s wife and not honor the boundaries of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). He added to the problem by listening to his feelings of panic by becoming a murderer, which was truly not who God said he was (Acts 13:22).  David had to decide what was going to guide him, his feelings or God’s truth.
It is a true sign of spiritual victory and health when we have the strength and choose to believe and live in God’s truths even when our emotions reflect something contrary.  It is beautiful and freeing to self and it can truly minister to others when done in love.  It is also very necessary to watch satan’s influence in one’s life.  Every time we purposely go against God’s values, we are agreeing with satan, to whom is never a trustworthy entity and always means trouble for you and others around you.  God’s truths are freeing!  You have the choice! Are we going to live by freeing truth or be controlled/imprisoned by feelings when they are contrary to His truths?