Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Peter Scazzero

Introduction

"At the very least, the call of discipleship includes experiencing our feelings, reflecting on our feelings, and then thoughtfully responding to our feelings under the lordship of Jesus" (p. 46).

If there’s one thing we super-spiritual Christians tend to fear, it’s our emotions. We’ve been taught that emotions are the enemy’s playground—tools he uses to manipulate us. But the truth is, feelings are innate and God-given. Every human being, no matter how saved, experiences them.

So what if, instead of hiding from, ignoring, or fearing our emotions, we learned how God intended for us to experience them? That’s what Peter Scazzero’s book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality explores. Our emotions are not a threat to our faith—and the sooner we embrace this truth, the healthier we and our relationships will become.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Three Lessons from the Book

Being a Christian doesn’t automatically make me emotionally mature.

I can quote Scripture and speak in tongues—and still have the emotional IQ of a toddler. Just like I had to grow in faith, I also have to grow in emotional maturity.

God can speak to me through my emotions.

My first instinct used to be to label them “evil,” but sometimes God uses my senses to alert or warn me. Ignoring those feelings could be dangerous.

It’s important to examine my past and family history.

Many emotional habits, patterns, and beliefs I carry today were passed down or learned—and not all of them are healthy. Awareness is the first step to healing.

Favorite Quote

“True peacemakers love God, others, and themselves enough to disrupt false peace.” (p. 177)

I love this quote. As a recovering people pleaser, I used to think that being a peacemaker meant avoiding conflict. But sweeping issues under the rug doesn’t fix anything. Speaking the truth—even in love—can cause tension, and that’s okay. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, disrupted false peace constantly, all while embodying perfect love.

If you’ve struggled with people-pleasing and want freedom, check out my book Stolen Identity for tools to help you walk in the fullness of who God created you to be!

Recommendation

If you’re a believer who struggles with emotional overwhelm, hides your feelings, or finds it hard to maintain healthy relationships—whether you're a new or seasoned Christian—Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is a must-read.

Honestly, this book should be required reading in churches. It helps us embrace our humanity holistically and stop masking our pain with religious language.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family." Matthew 5:9 MSG