Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "affections" refer to the emotional inclinations and desires of the human heart. These affections can be directed towards God, others, or worldly things, and they play a significant role in shaping one's spiritual life and moral conduct. The Bible provides guidance on how believers should cultivate and direct their affections in a manner that aligns with God's will.Affections Directed Towards God The Scriptures emphasize the importance of directing one's affections towards God. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Israelites are commanded, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This command underscores the necessity of wholehearted devotion and affection towards God, which is foundational to the life of faith. The Psalms often express deep affections for God, as seen in Psalm 42:1-2 : "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God." Here, the psalmist's longing for God is depicted as an intense and consuming desire, illustrating the proper orientation of affections towards the Creator. Affections and the Heart The Bible frequently associates affections with the heart, which is considered the center of one's emotional and spiritual life. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of safeguarding one's affections, as they influence thoughts, actions, and ultimately, one's relationship with God. Jesus also addresses the issue of affections in Matthew 6:21 , stating, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This teaching emphasizes that affections reveal what one truly values and prioritizes, urging believers to set their hearts on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. Affections Towards Others The Bible instructs believers to cultivate affections towards others, particularly within the community of faith. In Romans 12:10 , Paul exhorts, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to love and honor fellow believers reflects the communal aspect of Christian affections, which should be characterized by selflessness and mutual care. Furthermore, Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) extends the scope of affections beyond the faith community, encouraging believers to demonstrate love and compassion to all people. Worldly Affections The Bible warns against affections that are misdirected towards worldly desires and pleasures. In 1 John 2:15-17 , believers are cautioned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." This passage highlights the incompatibility between love for the world and love for God, urging believers to resist the allure of worldly affections that can lead them away from their spiritual calling. Paul also addresses the issue of misplaced affections in Colossians 3:2 , instructing, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive encourages believers to focus their affections on eternal realities, fostering a heavenly mindset that aligns with their identity in Christ. Transformation of Affections The transformation of affections is a key aspect of the believer's sanctification process. In Romans 12:2 , Paul writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a reorientation of affections, as the Holy Spirit works within believers to align their desires with God's purposes. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace—affections that reflect the character of Christ. As believers grow in their relationship with God, their affections are increasingly shaped by the Spirit, resulting in a life that bears witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Greek 3663. homoiopathes -- of like feelings or affections ... of like feelings or affections. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: homoiopathes Phonetic Spelling: (hom-oy-op-ath-ace') Short Definition: of like ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3663.htm - 6k 4698. splagchnon -- the inward parts (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) ... 2569. kalopoieo -- to do well 5590. psuche -- breath, the soul 3958. pascho -- to suffer, to be acted on Library Of the Affections, and the Refutation of the Opinion of the ... Of the Affections, and the Opinion of the Peripatetics Respecting ... Of the Affections, and the Opinion of the Stoics Respecting Them ... Of the Mortification of the Affections of the Will... Of God and his Affections, and the Censure of Epicurus. Of Inordinate Affections The Sixth Chapter: Unbridled Affections Of the Affections and their Use; and of the Three Furies. Of the Affections and their Use; of Patience, and the Chief Good ... I Will Run in My Affections, to Him who Heals Freely Thesaurus Affections (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Affections (4 Occurrences). ... 2 Corinthians 6:12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. ... /a/affections.htm - 7k Affection (30 Occurrences) Spirituality Reins (15 Occurrences) Affect (3 Occurrences) Home (270 Occurrences) Home (270 Occurrences) Belly (62 Occurrences) Heart (1223 Occurrences) Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Resources Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual adultery? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Affections (4 Occurrences)Romans 1:26 2 Corinthians 6:12 2 Corinthians 7:15 Galatians 5:24 Subtopics Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints Affections: Carnal, should be Mortified Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate Affections: should be Set Upon Heavenly Things Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God Affections: should be Set Upon the People of God Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Affections: should not Grow Cold The Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God The Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted The Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God The Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of The Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints The Affections: Carnal Affections should be Mortified The Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In The Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ The Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate The Affections: should be Set: Upon Heavenly Things The Affections: should be Set: Upon the Commandments of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the House and Worship of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the People of God The Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God The Affections: should not Grow Cold Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) |
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