Why Most Christians Are Emotionally Underdeveloped | Return to Heart Ep. 11

Most of us have spent a lifetime becoming right-leg dominant — relying on intellect, morality, and sheer willpower to survive life. But the parts of us designed for intimacy, connection, and vulnerability? Those got left behind.
In this episode of Return to Heart, we unpack one of the most transformative metaphors we’ve ever used:
👉 The right leg and the left leg.

Drawing from tens of thousands of hours working with men and women, we walk through why so many of us feel spiritually “stuck” even though we know the right things and work hard to do them. We also introduce Emotions Unveiled, a discipleship tool designed to reawaken the parts of your heart God built for connection.

✨ In this episode:
• Why intellect, morality, and hard work aren’t enough
• The meaning of being “right-leg dominant”
• Rediscovering the left leg — the emotional, relational side of life
• How Scripture gives emotional language for healing
• Why emotional maturity fuels spiritual maturity
• The structure and purpose of Emotions Unveiled
• Stories of transformation through emotional discipleship
If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t think your way into transformation, this conversation is for you.
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Chapters
00:00 – You’re Special… but Not Unique
Understanding the universal patterns of how people try to survive life.
01:18 – The Right-Leg Problem
Why intellect, morality, and willpower dominate—and why they fall short.
02:36 – Rediscovering the Left Leg
The emotional, relational side of life we’ve forgotten how to use.
04:43 – How Emotions Unveiled Was Created
The purpose and heart behind the Bible study.
06:04 – The Structure of the Study
Exploring the eight core feelings and how the study guides you.
08:53 – Feelings and Scripture
How the Bible treats emotions and why this matters.
12:31 – Why Emotional Language Is Essential
How churches and leaders use emotional language to navigate trauma.
14:23 – David, the Psalms, and Emotional Honesty
The biblical model for expressing feelings to God.
22:26 – Emotional Maturity Fuels Spiritual Maturity
Why you can’t grow spiritually without growing emotionally.
38:21 – The Cover Is Plain… the Inside Is Color
A metaphor for the emotional life God designed us to rediscover.
40:22 – Final Invitation & How to Get the Study
Closing reflections and resources.