Heart and Mind: How the Bible Shapes Social-Emotional Learning (Part 2 of 4 Installments)

Part 2 of 4: Responsible Decision Making: Biblical Examples and SEL Connections

The Bible offers a foundational perspective on responsible decision-making, emphasizing trust in God, moral discernment, and love for others. Several verses articulate God’s command to live wisely and faithfully (Luke 10:27, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Proverbs 3:5-6). In addition to direct instruction, character stories illustrate responsible decision-making (e.g., Daniel, Samuel, Esther, and Timothy), growth in judgment (e.g., Moses and David), and consequences of irresponsible actions (e.g., Moses and David). These examples highlight biblical values, such as courage, self-control, grace, forgiveness, and wisdom, which are provided through the power of the Holy Spirit. These biblical values align with elements emphasized in CASEL’s definition, showing that both Scripture and social-emotional learning frameworks highlight the importance of wise and ethical decision-making. CASEL defines the domain of Responsible Decision-Making as “the ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacity to consider ethical standards and safety concerns and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being” (CASEL, 2020, p. 2). The categories within this domain include curiosity and open-mindedness; reasoned judgment based on analysis of information, data, and facts; solutions for personal and social problems; anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions (individuals and organizations); and critical thinking.

The Bible has multiple verses teach us to make responsible decisions. One sentiment is found in five different books, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (New King James Version, 1982, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). Repeatedly, God commands all people believe in and love him, and to live out their love for God. To love God with all your mind is to put into action the intellect He has bestowed in ways that are pleasing to him. In the book of Matthew, Pharisees tested Jesus by asking Him what the greatest commandment in the Law was. Without hesitation, Jesus quoted the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5 as shown above). Jesus used this verse to not only answer their question but also to convict their hearts, pointing out how easy it is to know something and even profess it with words but not live it out in our actions. When we love God with our intellect, we submit our knowledge to Him, allow Him to determine our steps, and walk in faith that through His guidance, we make sound decisions for His kingdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 supports loving God with your mind and releasing control to him by saying, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your understanding; in all your ways, know him, and he will make your paths straight” (Christian Standard Bible, 2017, Proverbs 3:5-6). Another verse is “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind (Christian Standard Bible, 2017, 2 Timothy 1:7). This verse assures believers that the gift of the Holy Spirit enables a sound mind, and with a sound mind, one can make decisions based on wisdom and faith rather than pressure or panic.

The characterizations of responsible decision-making can be seen in Old and New Testament figures such as Moses, Samuel, Nathan, David, Solomon, Esther, Paul, and Timothy. Their stories create a thread that demonstrates time and again how God’s children, through faith, were able to set aside their fear, act with obedience, respond with wisdom, and use a sound mind and responsible decision-making to overcome obstacles.

Throughout the Old Testament, these figures were called to serve God’s people with wisdom and courage, often in life-threatening circumstances. Exodus 3-4 details God calling Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and into the Promised Land. Considering his past sins and missteps in Egypt, along with the danger of the mission, Moses was reluctant to the point of defiance, pleading, “No, Lord, please send someone else” (Good News Translation, 1966/1992, Exodus 4:13). Although this aroused God’s anger, God’s goodness prevailed, providing Moses with a helper. Moses humbly responded in obedience to God and continually sought God’s guidance, even under tremendous pressure, challenges, and scrutiny.

The lives of Samuel, David, and Nathan are interwoven to create a tapestry of some of the Old Testament’s most well-known stories. Defying social convention and King Saul’s expectations, Samuel was obedient to God, exercised discernment, and anointed David as the next king, as opposed to King Saul’s son (1 Samuel 16). But David is possibly most well-known for what happened next. Still a boy, David chose to face Goliath when nobody else would. Unable to depend on his own strength or King Saul’s oversized armor, David relied fully on God’s might and protection. David stood against Goliath’s taunting and then brought down the giant with a sling and one smooth stone. Although David humbly credited this victory to God’s strength, there were times in David’s life when he lapsed into discontented disconnection. Such was the case when David violated Bathsheba and then arranged for her husband’s death in battle. Consequently, in 2 Samuel 12, God sent Nathan to speak to David. Nathan acted with wisdom and courage, was obedient to God, and held David accountable for his sinfulness. David was repentant, and his sincere prayerful confession is recorded in Psalm 51. Indeed, David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13). David’s response to Nathan’s rebuke highlights an essential aspect of responsible decision-making: the ability to recognize when one has erred and to take steps toward repentance and restoration. This aligns with the SEL concept of evaluating the consequences of one’s actions as he expressed his sorrow as well as his gratitude for God’s grace.

Perhaps David’s son, King Solomon, was most revered for wisdom. The Bible records Solomon’s deep love for God. When God offered Solomon his greatest desire, Solomon responded by requesting “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (New International Version, 1978/2011, 1 Kings 3:9). God was so pleased with Solomon’s request that he granted Solomon great wisdom, wealth, and honor that Solomon did not ask for. Solomon quickly put this responsible decision-making to use and wisely administered justice in the case of two women disputing the identity of a baby (1 Kings 3). Solomon’s reputation grew, and people from many nations came to Solomon to listen to his wisdom (1 Kings 4). Solomon’s God-given wisdom is recorded in Old Testament books that we read to this day: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In these examples, we see how his wisdom encompassed critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving—all essential skills for navigating complex social and moral issues.

Not only did Esther seek God’s wisdom in approaching King Xerxes to save her people, but her story is one that foretells the way that Jesus would intervene to save those who put their faith in him. Persian King Xerxes elevated Haman to a place of honor in his kingdom, and Haman used his position and influence to devise a plan to destroy the Jews. Although Esther, a Jew, was King Xerxes’s queen, it was forbidden for her to approach the king without being summoned. However, she knew that she needed to act on behalf of her people. She sought God’s guidance to make wise and responsible decisions. She fasted, which was associated with prayer and humility (Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, 2 Samuel 12:16, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Isaiah 58:3). She put her faith in God and risked her life to save the Jews. After seeking God’s will, when the time was right, she approached her husband. Esther’s faithfulness and wise approach were rewarded, and the Jews were triumphant (Esther 1-10). Esther’s careful consideration of potential consequences before approaching the king reflects the SEL principle of reasoned judgment. Similarly, part of responsible decision-making in a faith-based context includes discerning when to seek forgiveness and adjust one’s course.

These Old Testament stories would have been familiar to the New Testament figure that we know as Paul. Originally named Saul, he would have studied these stories as a boy. Saul knew the stories well and considered himself faithful to the Scriptures, but he was not immediately receptive to Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. Saul persecuted early Christ-followers until God intervened, opened Saul’s eyes to the truth, and gave him a new name and identity: Paul (Acts 9). God filled Paul with faith and wisdom and chose Timothy to accompany him on his missionary journeys (Acts 16). Over time, Paul’s letters to churches and individuals demonstrated careful judgment, conflict resolution, and thoughtful decision-making, helping others navigate challenges with wisdom and discernment.   

While the thread of these narratives tells the story of wisdom and a sound mind from the beginning to the end of the Bible, it is also important to remember that one component of responsible decision-making is anticipating and understanding consequences. We often overlook that our Bible Heroes faced consequences for their sinfulness. At their best, they had a faithful social-emotional connection to God. At their worst, they were in discontented disconnection from him. Moses wasn’t allowed to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 24). David suffered the loss of a son and died without his family at his side (2 Samuel 12, 1 Kings 2). Solomon fell under the influence of pagan wives, and the Kingdom of Israel split after his death (1 Kings 11). After Paul’s conversion, his sinful history of persecuting Christ-followers made him an enemy of both Jews and Christians. The Jews sought to kill him because of his newfound faith (Acts 9:23). At the same time, Christ-followers hesitated to trust him because of his past actions (Acts 9:26). As a result, he was not immediately welcomed into the Christian community and had to prove himself trustworthy. Likewise, despite our best efforts, we face anticipated and unanticipated consequences for the times that our sinful nature disrupts the responsible decision-making that is only possible through our dependence on and obedience to God. Therein lies the Good News of God’s grace for those who believe in Him. Jesus declared, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (New International Version, 1978/2011, John 16:33). Earthly consequences of our failure and sin are to be anticipated, but because of God’s grace, Jesus has covered our sins in his righteousness and grants us eternity with Him. Because of our sins, none of us can live in perfect social and emotional harmony. We “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (New International Version, 1978/2011, Romans 3:23). For this reason, considering SEL through the lens of God’s forgiveness and restoration makes our understanding more rich and meaningful. In the context of responsible decision-making, SEL encourages us to reflect on our choices, recognize the consequences of our actions, and seek to repair the social and emotional disruptions caused by sin. God’s grace not only offers forgiveness but also the opportunity to restore relationships, cultivate emotional resilience, and move forward with wisdom and humility.

God in the flesh demonstrated how He went to His Father in prayer to discern. As a man, He had hopes, fears, challenges, desires, and self-preserving tendencies. As God, He knew He could not rely on his human understanding and sought the counsel of His Father. He humbly stepped outside of Himself and consciously chose to do the will of the Father. This act of responsible decision-making brought about the hope of eternal life for humankind. While on this earth, Jesus taught his disciples how to live. He taught us through modeling how to seek wisdom. He knew the challenges that each of His followers faced, and yet he still chose them. The more time they spent with him, the better they were at following His example. After His ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit to be the wise counsel. When we pray to our Father in heaven and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we, too, in all of our flawed ways, can make responsible decisions that impact the lives of those we have been called to serve.

References

CASEL. (2020). CASEL’s SEL framework: https://casel.org/casel-sel-framework-11-2020/?view=true

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). Holman Bible Publishers.

Good News Translation Bible. (1992). American Bible Society. (Original work published 1966)

New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)

New King James Version Bible. (1982). Thomas Nelson.

Robin Gomes serves as an Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia University Irvine, where she teaches in both the Teacher Credential and MAED programs. With over 25 years of experience in Lutheran education, Robin has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Lutheran elementary schools across Nevada and California. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Irvine and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Teacher Education at Chapman University. Robin is passionate about preparing future educators to create inclusive, engaging learning environments that support all learners. 

Sara Morgan serves as an Associate Professor of Teacher Credentialing, the Education Specialist Credential Program Director, and the Faculty Lead for the CalTPA at Concordia University, Irvine. She worked in K-12 public education for many years as a teacher, TOSA, and Program Specialist. She supported the preparation of Education Specialists in acquiring their Autism Authorization and developed training courses for instructional assistants to support positive behavior intervention and effective teaching strategies. Her scholarship focuses on integrating Social-Emotional Learning competencies and Universal Design for Learning guidelines to promote equity and access for diverse populations.