Book Review: Untangling Emotions (Alasdair J. Groves and Winston Smith)

As our culture continues to wrestle with topics of mental health, emotional well-being, and self-understanding, it is vital that we ground ourselves in biblical truth about our emotional lives. In their book Untangling Emotions, Alasdair J. Groves and Winston Smith offer a thoughtful and accessible guide for Christians seeking to understand and navigate their emotions in light of Scripture. This book offers not only theological clarity, but also practical help for those who want to grow in emotional health and spiritual maturity.

Groves and Smith explain that most people broadly fall into one of two categories, either letting their emotions fully control them, or instead suppressing their emotions entirely. In this book, the authors help us look at our emotions confidently through a Biblical lens, and help us to navigate, investigate, and get to the root of the problems that they point to. We no longer need to write off our emotions as good and bad, but can instead focus on what they tell us and how God designed us.

Untangling Emotions argues that emotions are ultimately God-given. This book explores how God himself has emotions and how we are made in God's image - emotions are part of God's design. Groves and Smith do a wonderful job explaining that our feelings are an indicator of exposing what is in our heart. Sin distorts our emotions due to the effects of the fall. I love that this book gave practical tools on how to engage with your emotions by identifying, examining, and expressing your feelings to God and others. It also gives practical tools to teach the reader on how to lament before God in moments of suffering,

This book helps people to see that emotions are meant to bring us closer to God and to others around us. We can honor God with every part of our lives, including our emotional lives. “Untangling Emotions” will help you engage, understand, and grow in stewarding your emotions in a way that will honor God and strengthen your faith. It gives practical tools and actionable steps, such as tips on how to respond in heated moments and times that feel out of control.

Untangling Emotions is a helpful resource for anyone who wants to better understand their emotional life, whether in seasons of calm or in times of struggle. It’s a book that can help both new and seasoned believers engage with God more fully—with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.