EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

“But the FRUIT of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” – Galatians 5:22

For the Believer in Christ, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE flows from the Holy Spirit via the human spirit: “But the FRUIT of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal.5:22). These virtues are expressions of a mature, emotionally intelligent faith. Emotional intelligence refers to being aware of and managing our own emotions, while also being sensitive to the emotions of others, an attribute that helps us navigate social situations, build strong relations, and make better decisions and lasting impact.

Emotional intelligence is a crucial means of personal impact because it cultivates Christ-like character, enabling us to honour God through self-awareness, self-control, empathy, and positive relationships as exemplified by our Lord Jesus, the Ultimate Model of Perfection. This inner work is empowered by the Holy Spirit and involves managing our own emotions, understanding the feelings of others, and developing resilience to persevere through tough times, all within God’s redemptive plan. The key components of emotional intelligence, all of which have scriptural basis are as follows:

Self-awareness: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psa.139:23-24). These highlight the worth of self-reflection and introspection in recognizing one's own emotions, biases, and spiritual condition to better understand oneself and avoid negative reactions. Self-awareness also means understanding strengths and weaknesses: “Each of you must examine his own work” (Gal.6:4). It involves acknowledging personal strengths, weaknesses, emotional triggers, and the condition of the soul before the Lord.

Self-regulation: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Pro.25:18). Practicing patience is a key component: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city” (Pro.16:32). It means managing impulses, choosing thoughtful responses over reactive ones, and cultivating self-control.

Empathy and Social Awareness: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin” (Heb.4:15). Empathy understands and shares the feelings of others, showing kindness and compassion, and responding to their needs (Rom.12:15).

Motivation: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Col.3:22). It’s important to harness emotions, sustain optimism to persist in goals, learn from failures, and align our goals with God’s purpose.

Relationship Management: “Pursue peace with all people…” (Heb.12:14). This is about fostering healthy, respectful, loving, and mutually rewarding relationships, navigating conflict with grace, and creating an environment of trust and understanding. Other passages highlight the value of humility and service in relationships (Phi.2:3-4).

By exploring and applying these truths, we would bear more fruit of emotional intelligence, build more meaningful relationships, and make God-glorifying Impact.