Navigating Emotional Intelligence

We’re experiencing something profound in our spiritual and emotional landscapes these days. As we wade through the complexities of 2025, we’ve been wrestling with how emotional intelligence isn’t just some trendy self-help concept—it’s a divine calling that’s deeply rooted in our walk with Christ. We’re not just called to feel, but to feel with purpose, with intention, and with grace.

Let’s get real for a moment. Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing our feelings or putting on a perfect Christian facade. It’s about understanding the intricate way God’s designed our hearts to connect—with Him and with each other. We’ve learned that self-awareness isn’t narcissism; it’s stewardship. Just like we’re called to be good stewards of our finances, our time, and our talents, we’re also called to be stewards of our emotional world. The research shows that emotional intelligence is fundamentally about relationships—and isn’t that exactly what our faith is all about? God is relational by nature, and we’re created in His image.

Here’s the thing that’s been burning in our hearts: emotional intelligence is spiritual warfare. In a world that’s increasingly disconnected, where loneliness has become an epidemic, our ability to truly connect—to empathize, to listen, to love—is a radical act of faith. Studies have shown that lack of social connection is more detrimental to health than obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure. We were literally created for community. When we develop our emotional intelligence, we’re not just improving ourselves—we’re becoming more like Christ, who was the ultimate master of emotional depth and spiritual connection.

We’ve discovered that emotional intelligence is a journey of transformation. It’s about daily surrender—bringing our emotions under the lordship of Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. Self-awareness is the gateway to transformation. When we seek God and attune ourselves to His presence, we change. The manifestation of His fruit overflows into every aspect of our lives. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. Present with God, present with ourselves, and present with others.

As we navigate the rest of 2025, we’re challenging ourselves to lean into emotional intelligence as a spiritual discipline. It’s not just about managing emotions, but about allowing God to work through our emotions. We’re called to love with our whole heart, and that means embracing every feeling, every struggle, every moment of joy as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to each other. Remember, Christ didn’t run from emotions—He embraced them, He felt deeply, and He showed us a better way of being human.

-Deck