Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional 8th May 2026 (Friday) Message
TOPIC: Emotions and Spiritual Maturity
For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men? — 1 Corinthians 3:3 (AMPC)
Paul teaches in today’s scripture that we are unspiritual if we are controlled by ordinary human impulses, such as emotions and feelings. Are you in control of your emotions, or do they control you? Feelings are fickle and ever-changing, and thus unreliable. I believe the number one way the enemy harasses and tries to hinder Christians is through our emotions.
We cannot always control how we feel, but we can control what we do. Mature Christians don’t walk by feelings; they order their conduct according to God’s Word. Emotions are fueled by our thoughts and words, so it is necessary to pay attention to what we think and say if we hope to walk by the Spirit instead of our emotions. What is right doesn’t change just because we don’t feel like doing it. People who are spiritually mature live beyond their feelings and do God’s will no matter how they feel.
Paul specifically mentions jealousy and factions (dissension or strife) as indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity. Ask God to help you in these areas. Be content with what you have, not jealous of others, knowing that God will give you more when the time is right. Do your best to live in peace with all people.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me not be ruled by my emotions. Teach me to follow Your Word, control my actions, and live by truth instead of feelings, amen.
Joyce Meyer is one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. She is a New York Times bestselling author, and her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences, and helps others understand how to apply biblical principles to their own lives. Christ, amen