32 Bible Verses About Emotions (With Cross-Reference)

The Bible is a powerful source of wisdom and guidance when it comes to understanding and managing our emotions. From joy and peace to fear and anger, the Scriptures offer countless insights into how God views our emotional experiences. This article collects Bible verses that address various emotions, providing us with a biblical perspective on how to handle our feelings in a way that honors God and promotes spiritual growth.

Bible Verses About Emotions

1. Psalm 34:17 – The Righteous Cry Out

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17

Cross-References

Psalm 18:6 – “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.”
Psalm 145:19 – “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”
1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.”

2. Proverbs 15:13 – A Joyful Heart

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Cross-References

Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15 – “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun.”
James 5:13 – “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”

3. Philippians 4:6-7 – Peace That Surpasses Understanding

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Cross-References

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

4. Ephesians 4:26 – Do Not Sin in Anger

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26

Cross-References

Psalm 4:4 – “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
James 1:20 – “Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

5. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast Your Anxiety on Him

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Cross-References

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

6. Romans 12:12 – Joyful in Hope

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”
Psalm 16:9 – “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”
Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

7. Psalm 37:4 – Delight in the Lord

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

Cross-References

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Isaiah 58:14 – “Then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land.”

8. Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety Weighs Down the Heart

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25

Cross-References

Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

9. Isaiah 41:10 – Fear Not

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Cross-References

Psalm 118:6 – “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

10. Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

Cross-References

John 15:4-5 – “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Ephesians 5:9 – “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”

11. Hebrews 4:16 – Approach God’s Throne of Grace

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:19 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”
James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Psalms 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

12. Colossians 3:15 – Let Peace Rule Your Hearts

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

13. James 1:19 – Quick to Listen, Slow to Anger

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Empathy (With Cross-Reference)

14. 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of Power and Love

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Cross-References

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

15. Nehemiah 8:10 – The Joy of the Lord

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” – Nehemiah 8:10

Cross-References

Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”
1 Peter 1:8-9 – “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him.”

16. Psalm 42:11 – Hope in God

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11

Cross-References

Psalm 43:5 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.”
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Lamentations 3:24-25 – “I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

17. Jeremiah 31:25 – Rest for the Weary

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” – Jeremiah 31:25

Cross-References

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.”

18. Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and Mourn

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 12:26 – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”

19. 2 Corinthians 7:10 – Godly Sorrow

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10

Cross-References

Isaiah 66:2 – “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit.”
Joel 2:13 – “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.”
James 4:9-10 – “Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.”

20. Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord Always

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

Cross-References

Psalm 32:11 – “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.”
Luke 10:20 – “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

21. Psalm 56:3 – Trust in Times of Fear

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3

Cross-References

Isaiah 12:2 – “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.”
Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

22. Psalm 30:5 – Joy Comes in the Morning

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

Cross-References

John 16:20 – “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.”

23. Isaiah 43:2 – Passing Through Waters

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” – Isaiah 43:2

Cross-References

Psalm 66:12 – “You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Exodus 14:29 – “But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”
Joshua 3:17 – “The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan.”

24. John 14:1 – Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1

Cross-References

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

25. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Cross-References

Psalms 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

26. Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord’s Delight

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

Cross-References

Psalms 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Isaiah 62:5 – “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you.”
Deuteronomy 30:9 – “Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands.”

27. 1 John 4:18 – Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

Cross-References

Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again.”
Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?”

28. Hebrews 12:2 – Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

Cross-References

Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 3:1-2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Isaiah 53:11 – “After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied.”

29. Matthew 5:4 – Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:1-2 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
Revelation 21:4 – “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

30. Lamentations 3:22-23 – Great Is Your Faithfulness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Cross-References

Psalm 36:5 – “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”
Numbers 23:19 – “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.”
James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”

31. Joshua 1:9 – Be Strong and Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them.”
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
2 Timothy 2:1 – “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

32. Isaiah 40:31 – Renew Your Strength

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Cross-References

Psalm 103:5 – “Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Also check out this article on: Bible verses about Depression And Self Harm (With Cross-References)

Final Thoughts

The Bible offers profound insights and valuable guidance on managing our emotions, helping us to align our feelings with God’s will. Emotions, both positive and negative, are natural parts of human experience, and Scripture provides comfort, direction, and encouragement to navigate them wisely. Whether we are filled with joy, weighed down by anxiety, or struggling with anger, God’s Word assures us that He is beside us, offering His strength, peace, and love.

By turning to the Scriptures and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate emotional resilience, nurturing a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. As we embrace a biblical understanding of emotions, we can grow in our relationship with God, embodying Christ-like virtues in our daily lives.

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