Category Archives: Thinking vs. Feeling

Personality Types, Thinking vs. Feeling

THOUGHTS, FEELINGS & LIVING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 3)

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Hello Shalom Fam!

If you’ve been keeping up with this blog series then Welcome Back!

If you missed part 1, click here: https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2025/08/14/thoughts-feelings-living-by-the-holy-spirit-part-1/

Or Part 2, click here: https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2025/08/21/thoughts-feelings-living-by-the-holy-spirit-part-2/

Last week, we discussed how neither thinking, nor feeling, is “better” than the other but are part of what makes you uniquely YOU. We also went over how labeling Jesus as a Thinker or Feeler should be avoided and discussed His divine connection to the Holy Spirit. 

We also went over how sometimes the leading of the Holy Spirit overrides our intellect and/or our feelings. His ways are always higher.

Your beautiful personality makes you unique. But the willingness to be filled with the Holy Spirit makes you powerful.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Below is a Holy Spirit led word for Thinkers and then for Feelers. I pray this edifies you on the search to understand this topic in light of the Creator’s purposes. As with everything, please prayerfully consider these words for confirmation on GOD’s leading for your life.

SOME WORDS FOR THINKERS:

Intellect is your strength. However, it’s not your god. When it doesn’t come under the authority of the Holy Spirit, it becomes your weakness. God’s knowledge is always higher than what you think you know. When you don’t consider other people’s thoughts and feelings you miss out.

LIVING BY THE SPIRIT FOR THINKERS:

#1: Ask God to give you the mind of Messiah.

““For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-10)

God knows things you will never think of, that your favorite online resources will never come up with, and that the data won’t show. That’s because God is more than a brain, higher than education, and more exhaustive than knowledge.

What the aforementioned has nothing to do with is the WISDOM of GOD. Seek the Father’s wisdom. Seek the Father’s heart. He waits for you with open arms.

#2: Be humble and patient. A humble heart keeps you open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. In addition, remember that other people see things that you don’t see. Consider their input. You’re not immune from being mistaken from time to time.

Let’s pretend someone comes to you with a different perspective than yours. The difference may even be striking, and your initial thought is that they’re wrong. You’ve done the research. You know the data, and they’re dead wrong, so you refuse to consider their view.

Please remember, there’s room for other views. Man-made research and data are just that – from man (people). Even Bible-based research can be flawed. There’s plenty of room for error. 

#3: Submit your thoughts, ideas, and will to the Father. Learn to hear His Voice and follow His lead – even when it goes beyond your logic, which will be flawed at times and human all the time.

Thinkers, you’re beautiful! God gave you all your parts, gifts, and strengths. The way you strategize, make connections, and solve problems makes you unique. You are an irreplaceable gift from the Kingdom of Heaven!

Life is more than getting your point across and making sure everyone knows you’re right. I’m NOT suggesting you compromise your beliefs. I’m suggesting you make connection with others a priority.

When you place God at the center of your thoughts and value His leading over your logic, you become a threat to the enemy. The enemy knows this. That’s why he attacks your mind and tempts you with false pride.

Stay on guard and quench the fiery darts of the enemy with the shield of faith and guard your mind with the helmet of salvation. Put on the armor of God every day and lean into the attributes of each piece.

God desires intimacy with you – not just on a head level but with your heart. Don’t be embarrassed to show your emotions. Health comes to you not only on a mental level but also on an emotional, spiritual, and physical level. God wants to make you whole – integrate all your parts and keep you functioning in all ways.

Learning to separate God’s thoughts from your own is next-level growth for you. Learn how to get in His presence and hear His Voice in all matters. Seek to touch the Father’s heart and share His love with those around you.

SOME WORDS FOR FEELERS:

Feelings are your strength. This has come at a cost to you. You thought, and have been told, that your sensitivity was a weakness. That lie couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a gift from God. However, feelings are not your god and when they don’t align with the Father’s heart, they become your weakness.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

LIVING BY THE SPIRIT FOR FEELERS

#1:  Your feelings are excellent barometers but shouldn’t be behind the wheel of your life. Rather than allowing your feelings to control your life, use them as a way to check in with yourself and what goes on around you.

Not every situation that you feel “at peace” with is a situation to remain in. Likewise, some difficult situations should be seen through when they don’t feel so great. Even the most wonderful things in life will be challenging at times. (I’m not saying to ignore red flags or stay in abusive situations, btw.)

#2: Be humble and patient with yourself and others. A humble heart keeps you open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. In addition, remember that other people see things that you don’t see. Their input should be considered. You aren’t immune from being mistaken from time to time.

Your past experiences, personal convictions, and feelings are important. They shouldn’t be minimized, ignored, or put down. However, within the context of a safe relationship and healthy conversation, the other person’s view should be considered.

There’s room for different views. Even Bible-based convictions can be flawed when seen through human lenses. There’s always room for error. (Once again, I’m not saying to ignore red flags or stay in abusive situations. This advice is within the context of healthy communication with healthy individuals.)

#3: Submit your feelings, convictions, and will to the Father. Learn to hear His Voice and follow His leading – even when it goes beyond your emotions, which will be flawed at times and human all the time.

Feelers, you’re brilliant! Your heart is big and beautiful! Your sensitivity is a gift. You discern the snake in the room and know the worth of outcasts well before others. You are an irreplaceable gift from the Kingdom of Heaven.

Life is more than getting stuck in your feels. I’m NOT suggesting you become a stoic robot. I’m suggesting you stay connected to GOD and make connection with others a priority to keep things in proper perspective

When you allow God to steer your heart in His direction, you become a threat to the enemy. The enemy knows this. That’s why he attacks your heart so much.

Cover yourself with the breastplate of righteousness and use the shield of faith against the enemy’s fiery darts. Put on the armor of God every day and lean into the attributes of each piece.

God desires intimacy with you. Don’t be embarrassed to show your emotions, share your thoughts, and be who He created you to be. Health comes to you not only on an emotional level but also on a mental, spiritual, and physical level. God wants to make you whole – integrate all your parts and keep you functioning in all ways.

Learning how to separate God’s thoughts from your feelings is next-level growth for you. Learn how to get in His presence and hear His Voice in all matters. Seek to touch the Father’s heart and share His love with those around you.

FOR ALL OF US

Just as we have the ability to think and feel in healthy, productive ways, we have the ability to slide into toxicity when things get out of order.

The following verse is for all of us – Thinkers and Feelers:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Many voices, influences, and ideas compete for our attention. Maintaining a relationship with Jesus (Yeshua) takes purpose and time on our part. At first, it may feel like a sacrifice to do less of the things you do to meet with Him. But what you may think or feel like is a sacrifice, quickly becomes an irreplaceable joy!

Just do it, fam. Make the time. Lean into Him. Let Him highlight the parts of you that need healing, deliverance, and more of Him.

Living by the Spirit doesn’t deny a place for our thoughts and feelings. It frees us to become more like Jesus so that our thoughts and feelings align with the Father.

“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” (Psalm 17:5)

Living by the Spirit enables us to fully live as the people He created us to be.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Most importantly, living by the Spirit means becoming more and more like our Heavenly Father.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

I pray this was encouraging to you!

So, which one do you predominately use – T or F? How does the Holy Spirit guide you? Let me know your thoughts in comments.

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Personality Types, Thinking vs. Feeling

THOUGHTS, FEELINGS & LIVING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 2)

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Hello Shalom Fam!

If you read Post 1 on Thoughts, Feelings & Living by the Spirit then welcome back!

If you missed it, then click here to catch up:https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2025/08/14/thoughts-feelings-living-by-the-holy-spirit-part-1/

Last week we discussed what “Thinkers” and “Feelers” are and why it’s helpful to know which one you lean into. We also went over differences between Thinkers and Feelers and more!

THINKING VS. FEELING

Whether you’re a Thinker or a Feeler, understand that neither one is better, smarter, or automatically more mature than the other.

Both types are fearfully and wonderfully made by GOD. Each one of us has room to grow. Everyone thinks and feels.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Indeed, Thinkers predominantly make decisions based on intellect and what they know. But their emotions play a bigger role than they realize.

Interestingly, Feelers don’t always make decisions based on typical feelings: sadness, happiness, etc. Some may, but many Feelers make decisions based on what they believe is wrong or right.

The truth is our culture today predominately makes decisions based on senses, embracing instant pleasure while rejecting things of substance that are challenging or require time. This is hedonism, and it can be seen in all personality types. While some personality types may lean into this more than others, it isn’t relegated to one type.

Where is Jesus (Yeshua) in all of this? How does knowing whether you’re mostly a Thinker or a Feeler leave room for the Holy Spirit to move?

A few insights have come to my attention on this subject, and I’d like to share them with you.

But first, did Jesus make decisions based on thinking (T) or feeling (F)?

WAS JESUS A THINKER OR FEELER?

There’s a trend online to label Jesus with a specific personality type. While it may be fun to speculate, I believe the attempt to box him into a modern understanding of “personality types” is incredibly short-sighted.

To say He’s predominantly a Thinker or a Feeler isn’t fair. The Bible shows Him as both.

Several times in the Bible, it says that “Jesus knew”. This denotes thoughts. Other times, He was “sorrowful”, He “rejoiced”, and even cried. This is feeling.

There were times when it seemed that He was making decisions based on thought and other times it seemed based on feelings.

We also know that He is the perfect Son of God and only did what His Father was doing.

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19)

When it came to Jesus’ thoughts and feelings, they were always holy, always inspired, and exactly what the moment required. He was led by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:1 says,

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

Acts 10:38 states that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit.

…” how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

Jesus wasn’t only acquainted with the Holy Spirit during His earthly ministry. They’ve been One before the creation of earth.

John 1:1-4 explains Jesus’ role in creation as The Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:1-4)

Genesis 1:2 mentions the Spirit of God before the earth had form.

“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)

BY THE SPIRIT

Whichever you lean into, T or F, know that the ultimate guide in life isn’t human intellect (Thinker) or human emotions (Feeler). The ultimate guide is the Holy Spirit.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. “(Romans 8:14 NKJV)

Does being led by the Holy Spirit look different for thinkers versus feelers? In a way perhaps. The Spirit speaks to us in ways that we’ll hear, see, feel, and understand. This may be unique for each person.

However, His leading never goes against His Word when applied in true context. This is how we discern that He’s leading and not merely our thoughts or feelings.

Sometimes the leading of the Holy Spirit overrides our intellect and/or our feelings. This isn’t because GOD wants us to be empty-headed robots to control. But due to our limits. His ways are always higher.

Your beautiful personality makes you unique. But the willingness to be filled with the Holy Spirit makes you powerful.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

I pray this was beneficial to you! Let me know in comments what you think and come back next week for Part 3.

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Personality Types, Thinking vs. Feeling

THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, & LIVING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 1)

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Have you noticed all the “personality” tests being pushed these days? They’ve become a staple in pop culture. There’s something about them that we gravitate to.

Maybe we’re trying to make sense of ourselves, and others, while living in a world full of confusion and control. Besides, it’s fun to discover which Peanuts character you are based on MBTI type.

*Please note that some personality tests were founded in mysticism, atheism, or astrology. The root of a thing reveals the purpose of a thing – good or evil. We must test the spirits to determine whether or not to partake in it.

Whether you’re a fan of taking personality tests, or not, have you noticed the trend to categorize people as “thinkers” or “feelers”.

“Thinking”, and “feeling” are cognitive functions, a way to process. While you may favor one more than the other, you’ll use both. We all have thoughts as well as feelings.

Cognitive functions may show up differently than expected. For example, some Feelers are overthinkers and some Thinkers feel deeply. Some Feelers enjoy research and some Thinkers are passionate. It’s rare, if not impossible, for a person to be all or nothing at all times and in all circumstances.

These ideas should be looked at as more of a spectrum than harsh boxes to put ourselves in.

A lot of assumptions are made about what a Thinker or Feeler is.

Some assign thinking to all men and feeling to all women. This is embarrassing and quite dangerous teaching. It’s incorrect to assume that all women are Feelers and all men are Thinkers.

There’s no gender bias related to each.

Some men are led by feelings more, some women are led by thinking more and vice versa.

Rather than causing division by vomiting false gender stereotypes, we ought to learn how to approach thoughts and feelings in the context of relationship with the Holy Spirit, others, and ourselves.

Some assume all Thinkers are cold, calculated, and make decisions based on critical thinking while all Feelers are warm, empathetic, and make decisions based on emotions. These stereotypes don’t always apply.

According to 16personalties.com, when making decisions Thinkers consider, “How will this help”. This highlights their innate focus on tasks and achievement. (1)

Feelers consider “Who will this help” when making decisions. This is due to the high value they place on relationships and harmony. (1)

WHY IT MATTERS

If you’ve never wondered if you’re predominantly a Thinker or a Feeler, then you may wonder why it even matters.

Understanding cognitive functions promotes self-awareness. Self-awareness can fuel personal growth, develop emotional intelligence, and provide understanding of cognitive differences with others.

No matter how different you are from someone, common ground can usually be found. Patience, kindness and recognizing the value of different perspectives go a long way.

DAY-TO-DAY

Knowing whether you’re predominately a Thinker or a Feeler is helpful in handling normal day-to-day challenges as well as in decision making.

Thinkers may want the facts – just the facts – when making decisions or in every day conversations. This is okay to an extent. Knowing this should prompt a Thinker to listen to others and appreciate the emotional nuances of others as well as themselves.

Feelers may struggle with small talk and expect everyone to feel as deeply as they do all the time. This isn’t realistic. Learning to appreciate the thoughts, ideas, and basic details of life are important.

When it comes to thinking and feeling, neither should be seen as better than the other. Personality traits are merely guideposts that point to how God designed you.

It may seem obvious to say this but thoughts and feelings are good. God uses both to speak to us, speak through us, refine us, and shine through us.

WHEN STRESSED

Another advantage of knowing whether you’re predominately a Thinker or Feeler is during times of extreme stress. Such events push us more than on normal days. The enemy loves to kick us when we’re down.

Understanding which cognitive function stress brings out in you, shines a light on how to find peace in those moments.

Here’s the Surprise! Some Thinkers slip into feeling mode when under extreme stress and some Feelers slip into thinking mode. Not everyone, but some.

For example, I’m a “Feeler”. I’m solution-based, strategically oriented, goal-infused AND I enjoy research (something most would assume strange for one). More typically, I make most decisions based on my own values and convictions. Peace within myself and with others is my natural default. I place an extremely high value on it.

However, when under extreme stress, about 1% of the time, I go into external thinking -or thinking out loud-mode. My laid-back demeanor switches and the filter between my brain and mouth wanes. I may start rambling, out loud, in an attempt to understand what’s happening. The kicker is it usually doesn’t come out well because I rarely use this cognitive function.

What’s going on with this uncharacteristic behavior in these rare moments? The truth is it happens when I experience horrible duress and desperately need help and understanding.  I trade peace for an attempt to make sense of what’s going.

During extremely stressful events I must. slow. down. quiet my mind. and find my peace again.

Now I can look back and see that during some extremely stressful moments in the past, the Holy Spirit took over for me. Although the tension was felt, there was also peace. When I slipped into external thinking, my words were few, direct, and exactly what needed to be said. My own weakness turned into strength thanks to God.

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

If you’re a Feeler who slips into thinking mode when stressed, ask yourself some thoughtful questions like: why am I upset? What am I feeling right now? Pour your heart out in prayer. Be curious about your feelings rather than shameful or critical.  Get in the presence of GOD and get back into peace mode to move forward.

Some, but not all, Thinkers uncharacteristically use feeling mode during times of extreme stress. This may show up as not being able to think or come up with solutions -something rare for them.

They may get stuck in fear, anger, shame or feel numb and not know how to move forward. This is because feeling mode is more of a weakness for them. It doesn’t get exercised often and they aren’t so great at it.

If you’re a Thinker who slips into feeling mode when stressed, then slow down. Journal things out. Pray through them. Work to name what you’re feeling while you process through things. Be curious about your feelings rather than shameful or critical. Get in the presence of GOD and get back into peace mode to move forward.

Are you a Thinker or a Feeler?

During times of extreme stress, do you stay in your lane with your main cognitive function or do you tend to switch to the opposite?

Leave a comment and let’s talk about it. And come back next week for Part 2 of this series when we’ll go deeper into T vs. F and discuss which one Jesus is AND the Holy Spirit’s role in these things.

If you need more support with your mental health read this: https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2020/10/09/the-thinking-solution-simple-steps-to-become-worry-free/

or this: https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2023/02/09/how-self-awareness-can-lead-to-peace/

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

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