Logic vs Feelings

 "Thinking and feeling are inextricably linked."

~Leonard  Mlodinow

Sometimes in life, we have to make difficult decisions, and in those instances, logic seems to clash with our feelings, and the line between what should be done and what we want is blurred. I have recently found myself in the same situation where I kept contemplating what seemed like an obvious decision.

I found myself facing a decision I had been through before—choosing whether or not to let someone back into my life who had repeatedly hurt me. Despite a history of pain, inconsistency, and broken trust, my feelings for him hadn’t fully faded. I turned to people I trust, and they all gave me the same advice: don’t go back. Logically, it made sense. The pattern was clear.
And yet, I still found myself torn—because my heart wasn’t aligned with what my head and everyone else was telling me. I loved him. And even though that love had been tested more times than I can count, it was still there, quietly shaping my decisions, even when they didn’t seem rational. That then sparked the question: What contributes to the tension between logic and feelings?

Following Feelings
I think we are constantly satisfying our desires that it becomes such a norm to do what always feels good.
 Logic, by definition, is the correct way of reasoning. Who establishes this ‘correct way of reasoning’ though? Because certainly our experiences and situations are not the same, there cannot possibly be one generic solution.

Sometimes I wonder if what we call ‘logic’ could be more than just pure reason. I think that there is a certain element of logic that goes into that ‘what will people say/think’ mentality. I think that we are driven by a need for validation and acceptance, and that could possibly be where we base our logical reasoning. Maybe that is why logic feels safer, because it aligns with what is socially acceptable. It aligns with what will not be questioned.

But maybe logic is not just about people’s opinions; maybe it could be a way of protecting ourselves. Feelings fluctuate a lot, so while an aspect of it could be rooted in external validation, could it be that it serves as protection from potential hurts and future regrets? But if that is the case, how would you know when which is which?

It is a constant back and forth between the heart and the mind. One wants to feel and experience the highs of life, while the other tries to weigh the potential outcomes of a decision, attempting to minimize risk and maximize happiness.

I do not have all the answers, but while I was reflecting and trying to find clarity, I was reminded of something deeper.

The Bible says,
"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."
— Galatians 5:17 (NIV)

That made me pause. Because if the flesh and Spirit are constantly in conflict, and our feelings often come from the flesh, then maybe feelings aren’t always meant to lead.

At the same time, Scripture tells us,
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
— Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

That tells me even logic—my understanding—has its limits. So if I can’t fully trust feelings, and I can’t rely solely on my reasoning, what’s left? Wisdom. God’s wisdom.                                                                                                               

The Word tells us,
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
— James 1:5 (NIV)

So instead of leaning too far into either the heart or the mind, I’m learning to lean into Him. To stop, pray, and ask, “God, what would You have me do?”

Because only He sees the full picture—beyond emotion, beyond logic, and beyond what I think I know.