PROVO, UTAH
John 11:35 is well-known for being the shortest verse found in the scriptures: “Jesus wept.”
But while that New Testament passage contains but two words, it is long in meaning and significance. Readers gain a glimpse of divine emotion and a deeper understanding of the Savior’s compassion and love.
Emotions, of course, play an essential role in the Standard Works. According to curators of the Brigham Young University exhibition aptly titled “Jesus Wept: Emotions in the Scriptures,” 127 emotion words and their various conjugations appear 9,685 times across a total of 7,238 verses. One in six verses across Mormon scripture contain at least one emotion word.
Emotions are often dismissed in today’s culture. They are something to be contained and held within. But as noted in the exhibition, they are an integral element of the human and divine experience. Emotions punctuate the mortal experience and add texture and depth to everyday lives. They are universal and felt across time and space.
“Jesus Wept: Emotions in the Scriptures” is on display in the third floor gallery of BYU’s Joseph F. Smith Building. The exhibition is contained in a single room — but there’s much to see.
One wall display presents statistical evidence of just how much emotions help define the scriptures. The Book of Mormon, for example, has the highest percentage of emotion words in the Standard Works, followed by the New Testament.
The 10 most frequent emotion words found across the Standard Works? In descending order — love, fear, desire, anger, peace, rejoice, joy, wrath, please and hate.
Anchoring the exhibition is a display chronicling the spectrum of emotions felt by Jesus Christ across the scriptures that includes several familiar paintings of the Lord.
But “Jesus Wept: Emotions in the Scriptures” stretches beyond statistical reference. It also challenges viewers to explore and better understand their own emotional experience. Emotional awareness can add new measures of depth to the joys of life — while helping one cope when emotions are sad or challenging.
“Remember,” reminds one exhibition panel, “you are not left alone on this journey. Our Savior Jesus Christ has endured all things so we might rejoice.”
Interactive elements allow visitors to make individual connections to the exhibition. A hands-on spinning wheel offers a range of construction options for dealing with negative emotions. Ideas include practicing self-compassion, serving someone, attending the temple, praying and seeking social support.
Ultimately, the exhibition doubles as a celebration of the many emotions that link people of all backgrounds to their Creator. As taught in Moses 2:27: “And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.”
The exhibition was co-curated by Emily Darowski, W. Ben Hill and Heather M. Seferovich.
“Jesus Wept: Emotions in the Scriptures” is presented free of charge. Call 801-422-6519 for more information.
FAQs
Emotions, of course, play an essential role in the Standard Works. According to curators of the Brigham Young University exhibition aptly titled “Jesus Wept: Emotions in the Scriptures,” 127 emotion words and their various conjugations appear 9,685 times across a total of 7,238 verses.
What Scripture says about emotions? ›
First, the Bible states that any emotion (happiness, sorrow, worry) should be brought in prayer to God, as stated in Philippians 4:6-7, for bringing our concerns to God allows His peace and guidance to come to us.
Where are emotions in the Bible? ›
That's why emotions like delight (Psalm 37:4), affection (Romans 12:10), fear (Luke 12:5), anger (Psalm 37:8), joy (Psalm 5:11), etc., are so important in the Bible. They reveal what your heart loves, trusts, and fears.
Where in the Bible does it talk about feelings? ›
Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
What is the spiritual significance of emotions? ›
Emotions are the energy, information, spirit and soul through which we know life. If our spirit is controlled by others who feel a need to direct our feelings, we may lose our spirit. Emotions help us communicate our needs to others.
How many times are emotions mentioned in the Bible? ›
According to curators of the Brigham Young University exhibition aptly titled “Jesus Wept: Emotions in the Scriptures,” 127 emotion words and their various conjugations appear 9,685 times across a total of 7,238 verses.
How does God want us to use our emotions? ›
Emotions are an invitation from the Lord.
However, God invites us to cast our cares, hurts, and pain on Him. He wants us to pour our hearts out to Him. From the point above, He knows our struggles because He felt them when He walked on this earth.
What is the first emotion mentioned in the Bible? ›
Shame is one of the first emotions mentioned in the Bible. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve never felt it even though they were naked. But after the Fall, shame becomes constant and unavoidable. It's experienced hundreds of times by major and minor biblical characters and sometimes collectively by entire peoples.
Can God speak to us through emotions? ›
God speaks through impressions in our emotions.
Accurately discerning God's voice through impressions takes discipline and wisdom but really just comes by trying and trusting.
What are the seven emotions in the Bible? ›
In The Emotions of God, biblical scholar David Lamb examines seven divine emotions—hate, anger, jealousy, sorrow, joy, compassion, and love—and argues that it is not only good that God is emotional but also that we as his image-bearers can express emotions in such a way that reflects his goodness to the world.
We must look to Jesus to show us the way to be strong people who are compassionately tender at appropriate times. Jesus experienced a wide range of emotions himself. He openly wept (see John 13:25); He felt deep compassion for people (see Mark 3:5); and he even displayed righteous anger (Mark 3:5).
What do proverbs say about feelings? ›
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot” (Proverbs 14:30). “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Do feelings matter to God? ›
Here is the truth: You matter to God, feelings and all. Never in Scripture do we see Jesus dismiss the feelings of others or invalidate those in distress.
Why did God give emotions? ›
God gave humans emotions to prompt us to do something. And since God says that all of the commandments hang upon loving God and loving others (Mat 22:37-39), I know that emotions help us live in healthy relationships and stay connected to God and others.
What is God's purpose for your emotional life? ›
Truth is, God gave us emotions as a good gift to be appreciated and employed in every aspect of our lives. He wants us to glorify him with our feelings—in fact, we can't honor and obey him without our feelings! Far from being bad and unreliable, feelings are actually central to our loving and serving God.
Why are emotions so powerful? ›
Emotions are powerful forces. They determine our outlook on life based on the events occurring around us. They allow us to empathize with other humans, perhaps to share in joy or in pain. Whichever emotion you feel on a given morning generally shapes how you feel throughout your entire day.
What does God say about controlling your emotions? ›
But don't let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don't let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. Don't give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!
What does God tell us about our feelings? ›
The Bible is quick to tell us that our feelings (or hearts, more accurately) can't be trusted. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Prov. 3:5). Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered (Prov.
