Understanding Cognitive Errors
Our cognitive errors affect our faith life more than we often realize.
Our brains naturally form associations between thoughts, ideas, behaviors, and outcomes that may or may not be accurate. These mental linkages, combined with our tendency toward negative thinking, can contribute to unpleasant emotions, strained relationships, and reduced motivation and productivity.
The way we think directly influences the way we believe, pray, undergo hardship, and how we perceive God. Without realizing it, our thought patterns can subtly damage our faith. Psychologists refer to these distorted patterns as cognitive errors or cognitive distortions. They are mental habits that skew how we interpret reality. These errors can develop for many reasons, including survival mechanisms, negative environmental influences, trauma, or ongoing mental health challenges. While they may have once served as our survival, they can eventually begin to mislead us especially in our spiritual lives.
How Cognitive Errors Impact Our Faith
A common cognitive distortion is catastrophizing, which turns a temporary moment into a concrete verdict. For instance, when we miss a devotional, lose patience, or go through hardships, we may immediately think, “I’m failing spiritually,” or assume that God must be disappointed in us. Instead of viewing the situation from a momentary instance, we interpret it as a reflection of our entire faith. Shame replaces grace and as a result, rather than moving toward God, we withdraw from Him. Yet faith does not grow through perfection it grows through honesty, repentance, and return.
Another common distortion is emotional reasoning, which is demonstrated by believing something is true simply because we feel it. For example, one may say “I don’t feel God, so He must be far away” but Bible verses such as Deuteronomy 4:7, suggests that when we pray God will come near to us.
Although our feelings should be acknowledged, they are not always reliable indicators of our spiritual reality. When we use our emotions as the primary measure of our relationship with God, our faith becomes unstable because our emotions vary. Therefore our standard of faith should be built upon the truth which is the word of God given to us through scripture (John 17:17).
Comparison is another subtle cognitive error that can weaken faith. When we see someone else’s visible devotion, we may assume ours is inadequate. We may think that God is closer to them than He is to us, but faith is not measured by intensity or outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). It is measured by God.
How to Interrupt Distorted Thinking
The first step in resolving cognitive errors is to pause before drawing spiritual conclusions. Instead of immediately accepting a negative thought as truth, we can slow down and reflect. Journaling, seeking wise counsel, and intentionally meditating on truthful and positive thoughts can help interrupt distorted thinking patterns.
When we notice discouraging thoughts, we can ask ourselves:
- Did my feelings escalate quickly?
- Did I jump to a sweeping conclusion?
- Am I reacting to a thought more than to a fact?
These reflective questions help separate emotion from evidence. By slowing down our thought processes and intentionally restructuring the way we think, we become less likely to make sweeping spiritual conclusions and more able to identify cognitive errors when they arise.
Renewing the Mind, Strengthening Faith
Our thoughts influence our faith, but they do not define it. Even when our minds distort reality, God’s truth remains steady. Spiritual maturity involves recognizing when our thinking has drifted and gently guiding it back to truth. Faith is not about having perfect thoughts, faith is a catalyst that aids believers in returning to God when our thoughts become misaligned.
As Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us, God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. When we renew our minds, we strengthen our faith. Also, when our thoughts align with truth, our relationship with God becomes steadier, freer, and more secure.