Facts Versus Feelings
Should our feelings be the standard or not?
Our conscience will make us feel good or bad based on things we do that we believe to be right or wrong.
It would be accurate to say that our conscience is connected to facts and feelings. However, it can be wrong.
What if we are mistaken about the speed limit being 55 mph when it is 30 mph? Our conscience won’t kick in to remind us to slow down because we don’t realize what we are doing is wrong. We would likely be shocked to be pulled over by law enforcement.
We understand how facts versus feelings work in our everyday lives.
But is it also true in matters of religion? Is it possible to feel like we are doing right but be factually incorrect?
Let’s consider a biblical example together.
The Example of Saul
Saul persecuted Christians (Acts 7:54-8:3). He made it his mission to hunt down and throw as many Christians as he could in prison, or worse (Acts 9:1-2). While we understand how wrong this is, what is interesting is a statement made by Saul, also called Paul, years later.
While standing before the Jewish council, He said, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Wait a minute – what has he just said? He was persecuting Christians and felt like he was doing the right thing in God’s sight.
Was what he felt to be correct actually what was right?
Of course not. Jesus told Saul that what he was doing was sinful (Acts 9:3-9). We learn a valuable lesson: What we feel to be right can be wrong if our feelings are not based on what God says in His Word.
Can we know right from wrong, just from our feelings?
Saul felt like he was doing right until God told him that he was wrong. Would we say that our personal feelings or what God says are a better source of right and wrong?
We see that what God says, not our feelings is the true source of right and wrong. In fact, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Notice that God’s Word teaches us what is right, and it corrects us when we are wrong.
Do we want to rely on what we feel is right or what God has said is right? Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
God’s Word, not our feelings, will be the standard of judgment on the last day.
Where will you place your trust?