The film “Inside Out 2” recently premiered in theaters, bringing the continuation of the story of Riley, who is now in puberty and faces new emotions and feelings. In addition to the already known Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger and Disgust, Riley now also deals with Anxiety, Shame, Envy and Boredom. This led me to reflect on what the Bible says about these emotions. Who controls our feelings? Does God control us or do we control our feelings?
Happiness
Where does our joy, one of the main emotions in the film, come from? Does it only appear when we get what we want or when everything is perfect? Philippians 4:4 teaches us: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say: Rejoice!” Our lives were given by God, and we should find joy in Him. We should not depend on things or people to be happy, but rather focus on Christ, because the joy that comes from God never ends.
Sadness
In the film, sadness is presented as a necessary emotion to understand and seek comfort. Although sadness is part of the human experience, without God's joy as our focus, we can feel constantly sad about what we have not achieved, which can lead to depression and other problems. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; and weep with those who weep.” Crying can result from repentance and humility before God. Psalm 34:18 comforts us: “The Lord is close to those who are brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When we are with the Lord, our crying can turn into joy.
Fear
The Bible is clear about fear. In 1 John 4:18 we read: “In love there is no fear; on the contrary, perfect love casts out fear. For fear involves punishment, and whoever fears is not perfected in love.” Fear must be cast out, for God's love casts out fear.
Anger
In the film, anger must be managed in a healthy way to protect and guide Riley. However, the Bible warns us about anger. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us, “Be angry and do not sin; Do not let the sun go down on your anger, nor give place to the devil.” This suggests that anger should be controlled and should not lead to harmful actions.
Anxiety
We live in a globalized and technologically advanced world, where everything seems to be available immediately, which can generate anxiety. Philippians 4:6-7 advises: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We must trust God and surrender our anxieties to Him.
Envy
Envy is not just a feeling, but a sin. Proverbs 14:30 says: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Envy corrodes the soul and prevents inner peace.
Boredom
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of diligent work and condemns idleness. Proverbs 6:6-11 says, “Go to the ant, you lazy one; look at your ways and be wise. Having no leader, no overseer, no governor, he prepares his bread in the summer; in the harvest he gathers his food. O lazy one, how long will you lie down? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little nap, a little folding your hands to rest, your poverty will come upon you like a thief, and your need like an armed man.” This teaches us that diligence and activity are valuable, and idleness can have negative consequences.
Shame
Many Christians face shame when professing their faith, especially in environments that do not share the same values. Mark 8:38 warns, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” We must not compromise our Christian principles.
In the film, these emotions control Riley, but in our lives, the Lord must control our emotions. By learning more about God and following His teachings, He will give us the strength to deal with any emotions we face. We must have the true joy that comes from Christ, so that negative feelings do not dominate us and harm us.
By Rebeca Maia, Theology Student Gazette
Arthur Maia Illustration
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