Moderns tend to view emotions as inevitable. We cannot help what we feel. Paul says, “Not so fast.” Throughout Paul’s epistles he encourages us to feel certain things and to not feel other things. One of the best examples is Romans 12:15 where Paul encourages us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Here are two expressions of emotion that Paul commands us to feel. Come on Paul, you know I cannot just conjure up weeping! There are numerous other examples as well. Our emotions are not a runaway semi careening towards the bottom of the hill. We are to corral our emotions, to discipline them, so that we feel what is appropriate to each circumstance. There are times we are supposed to feel anger, joy, love, etc. Christians often speak of training our minds to think righteous thoughts (Romans 12:2), but we do not speak of training our emotions to feel righteous feelings (Romans 12:10-12). Our whole life is to be brought into conformity to God’s Word, including our emotions.
Via Liturgy as emotional discipline - a helpful article talking about the benefits of a good liturgy/order of service
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