Emotion regulation, the processes by which we influence which emotions we have, when we have them, and how we experience and express them, has been powerfully synthesised by James J. Gross’s Process Model (1998; updated 2015), which traces regulation across situation selection, situation modification, attentional deployment, cognitive change (reappraisal), and response modulation, showing how earlier strategies tend to be more adaptive than later ones. Across development and the lifespan, scholars such as Susan Thompson (1994) and Laura Carstensen (1999) demonstrate that regulation grows from caregiver co-regulation in childhood to increasingly skilful self-regulation in adulthood, with older adults often showing enhanced emotional well-being through socioemotional selectivity. Individual differences arise from temperament (e.g., Mary Rothbart’s work on reactivity and self-regulation; 1981, 2007), culture(e.g., Batja Mesquita, 2001, showing that norms shape what is felt and expressed), and gender (e.g., Leslie Brody & Judith Hall, 2008, highlighting socialisation and display rules), reminding us that regulation is both biologically grounded and socially cultivated. From a Christian perspective, this science resonates with Scripture’s call to wise stewardship of the inner life: “be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19), “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5), and the Spirit’s facilitation of self-control (Galatians 5:22–23), framing emotion regulation not as suppression but as loving alignment of heart, mind, and action with God’s purposes, modelled supremely in Christ’s compassionate yet disciplined responses (Mark 14:34–36). Together, this body of work offers profound value for personal wellbeing, fostering resilience, mental health, and mature character, and also for societal health, informing education, clinical care, leadership, and peace making by equipping individuals and communities to respond to stress, difference, and conflict with wisdom, empathy, and hope.