The power of healing over cycles of pain.
Psychology, Emotional Contagion, The Bible, & Spiritual Influences: shaping moods, relationships, and even entire communities.
Psychology affirms that unresolved pain, trauma, and emotional wounds can lead to cycles of dysfunction, for generations to come.
The hurt we carry spills over into our relationships.
However, there’s a powerful truth, healing breaks cycles, and healing is possible through Christ!
When we intentionally seek healing, through faith, self-reflection, therapy, or personal growth; we don’t just change ourselves; we transform the lives of those who come in contact with us. We transform the lives who we give birth to, not just physically but also SPIRITUALLY!!
Those who have experienced safety in their relationships and interractions with HEALED people, create safe spaces for others.
Free thinkers usually encourage freedom. Hopeful believers instill NEW HOPE.
This shift is aligned with the power that of emotions. Have you noticed how emotions are contagious?
How Are Emotions Contagious?
Emotions are contagious both psychologically and spiritually. Research in psychology shows that people naturally “catch” the emotions of those around them through a process called emotional contagion. This happens because of mirror neurons in our brain, which cause us to mimic and internalize the emotions we see in others. Spiritually, the Bible also speaks about how the spirit we carry influences others, for better or worse.
Psychological Perspective on Emotional Contagion
Mirror Neurons & Social Synchronization
When we see someone smile, our brain activates neurons that make us feel like smiling too. The same happens with stress, anger, or sadness. This is why group emotions can spread quickly, such as laughter in a crowd or panic in an emergency.
Studies on Emotional Contagion
A study by Psychological Science found that just seeing a happy or sad face for a split second can influence our mood. Another study showed that leaders’ emotions affect workplace morale—a positive leader uplifts, while a negative one spreads stress.
Have you ever walked into a tense room and immediately felt uneasy, even before knowing what’s wrong? That’s emotional contagion at work.
In relationships, when one person is anxious, the other often starts feeling anxious too.
A Biblical Perspective on Emotional & Spiritual Contagion
Fear & Panic Can Spread
When the spies brought a fearful report (in Numbers 13-14), that fear spread through Israel, causing rebellion. Fear led to discouragement, disobedience, and delay in reaching the Promised Land. Are you standing in the gap reading to step into your promised land, or is someone else’s fear and lack of faith holding you back?
Faith & Courage Can Also Spread
David’s faith in God inspired an entire army to rise up after he defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Paul and Silas worshiping in prison (Acts 16:25-26) spread faith and hope to the other prisoners, leading to their chains being broken.
To this day we can see how someone else’s act of fear or courage can either tear a whole generation down or launch them to the next level.
You Have Spiritual Influence: What We Carry Affects Others
The word of God warns us in Proverbs 22:24-25 “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person… or you may learn their ways.” I don’t think it gets any more clear than this. We see this day in and day out! A healed heart forgives, and mends the wounds of others.
We read on 2 Timothy 1:7 that“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This means fear isn’t just a feeling, fear it’s a spiritual force that can be transferred, just like faith, peace, and joy.
The World Says, “Match energy”
But we need to be reminded that don’t reflect what’s around us, although we may be influenced by it. We reflect, carry and transfer what’s within us.
Just as negativity can spread, so can courage, love, and faith.
Why are we still perpetuating cycles of pain? Why arent we focusing on creating a genration of healed people, of safety, encouragement, empowerment, and equipping through the love of God instead of tearing the souls apart?
Are we aware that we pass on what is within us?
Let’s be cycle breakers. What fills us will flow out into others.
You Can Find Healing and Spiritual Growth
I’ve been working with my clients on a new Coaching Curriculum for 2025, and I’d love for you to take a look. It might change a bit here and there, depending on each person’s goals and needs. I pray you find what you’re looking for!
1. 16 weeks video calls + recording (if desired).
2. Emails, text supports plus workbooks and worksheets.
3. Scripture, journal prompts, prayer topics, & Exercises.
4. Prayer Meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Don’t Delay:
©️ 2025 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.
