The term "overfond" refers to an excessive or unbalanced affection or attachment, often leading to idolatry or misplaced priorities. In a biblical context, being overfond can manifest in various relationships or pursuits that detract from one's devotion to God. The Bible warns against such imbalances, emphasizing the importance of loving God above all else.

Idolatry and Misplaced Affection

The Bible frequently addresses the dangers of idolatry, which can be seen as a form of being overfond of something other than God. In Exodus 20:3-4 , the first of the Ten Commandments states, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath." This commandment underscores the importance of prioritizing God above all other affections or attachments.

Family and Relationships

While the Bible encourages love and care within family relationships, it also warns against allowing these relationships to take precedence over one's relationship with God. In Matthew 10:37 , Jesus states, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." This passage highlights the potential danger of being overfond of family members to the detriment of one's spiritual commitment.

Wealth and Material Possessions

The Bible also addresses the issue of being overfond of wealth and material possessions. In Matthew 6:24 , Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This verse illustrates the conflict that arises when one's affection for material wealth surpasses their devotion to God.

Worldly Pleasures

The Apostle Paul warns against being overfond of worldly pleasures, which can lead to a life that is not pleasing to God. In 2 Timothy 3:4 , he describes people in the last days as "treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This warning serves as a reminder to maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring that one's love for God remains paramount.

Spiritual Priorities

The Bible consistently calls believers to examine their hearts and ensure that their affections are rightly ordered. In Colossians 3:2 , Paul instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive encourages Christians to focus their love and devotion on God and His eternal kingdom, rather than becoming overfond of temporal matters.

Conclusion

The concept of being overfond serves as a caution against allowing any person, object, or pursuit to take precedence over one's relationship with God. By maintaining a balanced and God-centered perspective, believers can ensure that their affections align with biblical teachings and honor the Lord.(a.) Fond to excess.

Copiousness of Words
... For if he had rejected some things, if he had less studiously affected some engaging
beauties, if he had not been overfond of all his productions, if he had ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/copiousness of words.htm

Overfond (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Fond to excess. Multi-Version Concordance
Overfond (1 Occurrence). Luke 7:34 The Son of Man has come ...
/o/overfond.htm - 6k

Overflows (9 Occurrences)

/o/overflows.htm - 9k

Notorious (16 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, there
is a man who is overfond of eating and drinking--he is a friend of tax ...
/n/notorious.htm - 11k

Over-fond (1 Occurrence)
Over-fond. Overfond, Over-fond. Over-full . Multi-Version Concordance
Over-fond (1 Occurrence). ... Overfond, Over-fond. Over-full . Reference Bible.
/o/over-fond.htm - 6k

Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, there
is a man who is overfond of eating and drinking--he is a friend of tax ...
/t/tax-gatherers.htm - 11k

Overfond: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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