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The difficulty is to keep a tight reign on our emotions…

“The difficulty is to keep a tight reign on our emotions. They may remain, but it is not they who are to rule the action. They have no authority. A life lived in God is not lived on the plane of the feelings, but of the will. In Scripture the heart is the will - the man himself, the spring of all…” quote by Elisabeth Elliot
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“The difficulty is to keep a tight reign on our emotions. They may remain, but it is not they who are to rule the action. They have no authority. A life lived in God is not lived on the plane of the feelings, but of the will. In Scripture the heart is the will - the man himself, the spring of all action, the ruling power bestowed on him by his Creator, capable of choosing and acting.”

Elisabeth Elliot

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True mastery over actions comes from letting the will, not fleeting emotions, guide decisions.

In simple terms: Will should guide actions, not feelings.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate willful discipline.

Themes

self‑control spirituality willpower

Mood

reflective determined

Type

spiritual philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision‑making
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

theology psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate will from feeling?
  • What practices strengthen willful control?
A Different Perspective

Emotions still influence behavior despite willful intent.

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