Topical Encyclopedia The affections, as understood within the biblical context, refer to the emotional and spiritual inclinations of the heart and mind. When God becomes the primary object of one's affections, Scripture reveals a profound blessedness that permeates the believer's life. This blessedness is characterized by peace, joy, and a deep sense of fulfillment that transcends earthly circumstances.Scriptural Foundation The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of directing one's affections toward God. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the command is clear: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This foundational commandment underscores the necessity of making God the central focus of one's love and devotion. Psalm 37:4 further illustrates the blessedness of this orientation: "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Here, the psalmist highlights the reciprocal relationship between delighting in God and receiving the fulfillment of one's deepest desires. The implication is that when God is the object of our affections, our desires align with His will, leading to true satisfaction. The Role of the Heart The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of emotions and desires. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a heart that is steadfastly focused on God. When the heart is aligned with God's purposes, the believer experiences a life marked by spiritual vitality and blessing. Jeremiah 17:7-8 provides a vivid picture of the blessedness that comes from trusting in the Lord: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit." This imagery conveys the stability and fruitfulness that result from a heart anchored in God. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ exemplifies the ultimate expression of making God the object of one's affections. In John 4:34, Jesus declares, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work." Christ's life was characterized by an unwavering devotion to the Father, serving as the perfect model for believers. Furthermore, in Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus reiterates the greatest commandment: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment." By following Christ's example and command, believers are invited into a life of blessedness through wholehearted devotion to God. The Fruit of Devotion When God is the object of one's affections, the resulting fruit is evident in the believer's life. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are the natural outgrowth of a life centered on God. Moreover, Philippians 4:7 promises, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is a hallmark of the blessedness that comes from making God the focal point of one's affections, providing a sense of security and tranquility amidst life's challenges. Conclusion The blessedness of making God the object of one's affections is a central theme in Scripture, offering believers a pathway to a life marked by peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. Through the examples and teachings found in the Bible, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a heart that delights in the Lord, resulting in a life that reflects His glory and purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 91:14Because he has set his love on me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Will. God's Covenant with Abram Thirsting for God Consecration and Dedication The Object of Theology On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love. Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. They Shall be Called the Children of God State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ... Ittai of Gath Resources What is adoration in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jeremiah 29:11? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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