Why Emotions Matter // Jon and Tristen Collins

In this episode of Living Wholehearted, we sit down with Jon and Tristen Collins to explore why emotional health is not a one-time achievement, but a lifelong, grace-filled process. Together, we talk about how emotions shape our faith, our marriages, and the way we lead—especially when we’ve been taught to suppress or spiritualize them away.

Drawing from their book Why Emotions Matter, Jon and Tristen invite us to rethink the relationship between emotional maturity and spiritual formation. We discuss the church’s complicated history with emotions, how our bodies communicate what’s happening beneath the surface, and why knowing we are already loved by God frees us to engage the messy work of growth. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply hopeful—for leaders, couples, and anyone longing to live more wholeheartedly.

Key Takeaways

1. Emotional health is an ongoing process, not a spiritual finish line
2. God’s love is not earned through emotional or spiritual maturity
3. Emotions act as signals, revealing deeper needs, values, and limits
4. Suppressing emotions often creates disconnection in marriage and leadership
5. Spiritual maturity cannot exist without emotional maturity
6. Our bodies play a vital role in how emotions surface and heal
7. Grace creates the safety needed for emotional growth

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We LOVE that you’ve decided to join us this week for the Living Wholehearted Podcast. We hope you enjoyed the conversation, tips, and resources to help you transform every relationship that matters most to you. If you think this will help someone you know, make sure you send it their way or share on socials. Tag us @living_wholehearted and @terramattson! Don't forget to FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss an episode and help spread the word by leaving us some stars on a review. Thanks for partnering with us to help more leaders, just like you, who want to live and lead with integrity at home, work and in the community. Go to livingwholehearted.com and sign up to receive our free leadership tips and updates delivered to you in our monthly newsletter. And, if you’re a girl mom, check out mycourageousgirls.com.

Until next time, be the leader you would follow!

Grateful for you,

Jeff & Terra

To connect with Jeff & Terra Mattson and Living Wholehearted, go to:

INSTAGRAM

@TerraMattson

@Living_Wholehearted

@MyCourageousGirls

FACEBOOK

@WeAreLivingWholehearted

@MyCourageousGirls

WEBSITES

LivingWholehearted.com

TerraMattson.com

MyCourageousGirls.com

RESOURCES

Shrinking the Integrity Gap

Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course

Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace

Dear Mattsons

Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters