The affections, as understood within the biblical context, refer to the emotional and spiritual inclinations of the heart and mind. Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of directing these affections towards the commandments of God, underscoring a life of obedience and devotion.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous exhortations to set one's affections on the commandments of God. In Deuteronomy 6:5-6 , it is written, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts." This passage highlights the integral connection between love for God and adherence to His commandments, suggesting that true affection for God is demonstrated through obedience.

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a profound meditation on the beauty and necessity of God's law. The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:47-48 , "I delight in Your commandments because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on Your statutes." Here, the psalmist expresses a deep affection for God's commandments, viewing them not as burdensome, but as a source of joy and meditation.

The Role of the Heart

The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of affections 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 safeguarding one's affections, ensuring they are aligned with God's will and commandments. The heart's orientation towards God's law is crucial for a life that honors Him.

Jesus reiterates this principle in the New Testament. In John 14:15 , He states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This direct correlation between love and obedience emphasizes that genuine affection for Christ is evidenced by a commitment to His teachings.

The Transformative Power of Affections

Setting one's affections on the commandments of God is transformative. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a reorientation of affections, moving away from worldly desires and towards a love for God's law.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Colossians 3:2 , "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." By focusing on divine commandments and principles, believers cultivate a heavenly mindset that influences their actions and decisions.

Practical Implications

Practically, setting affections on God's commandments involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and a community of faith. Joshua 1:8 encourages, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Such meditation fosters a deep-seated love for God's commandments, guiding believers in their daily walk.

Moreover, the affections directed towards God's commandments manifest in ethical living and moral decision-making. As believers internalize God's law, their actions reflect His character, serving as a testament to their devotion.

Conclusion

The biblical call to set affections upon the commandments of God is a central theme throughout Scripture. It is an invitation to align one's heart and mind with divine truth, resulting in a life marked by obedience, transformation, and spiritual fulfillment.Psalm 19:8-10
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:20,97,103,167
My soul breaks for the longing that it has to your judgments at all times.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing ...
... of all: and therefore we should accordingly convert ... after them the choicest of their
affections, that they ... generally what men's hearts are set upon, that they ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix now the god.htm

Of Love to God
... of soul, or the inflaming of the affections, by which ... God does not require that we
should bring money with ... The heart is so set upon God that it desires no more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... there in the earth that we should so set our hearts ... is union in fundamentals, there
ought to be union in affections. ... If I loved God more, I should have better ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

Obedience
... Lively affections make golden services. ... Matthew 6:2. Alms should shine, but not blaze. ...
Philippians 2:8. The crown is set upon the head of perseverance. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

Thoughts Upon the Knowledge of G0D.
... and subduing all our Passions and Affections before him ... and neglect all the other,
we should questionless look ... several Laws to observe, and hath set us several ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the knowledge of.htm

Repentance
... It metamorphoses the affections. ... Let us all set upon this great work of repentance;
let us repent ... 1) Consider what there is in sin, that you should continue in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

God and Mammon.
... Their family affections are so intense, their family life ... Sundays by people whose
souls are set, the whole ... God forbid that I should check an honourable ambition ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvi god and mammon.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... I will further add, that regeneration introduces a set of new ... are, and to awaken
in it suitable affections; to be ... the very heart; so that He should say, "This ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... openeth," had declared, "Behold, I have set before thee ... to be a reason why we should
worship Him ... been universally kept, man's thoughts and affections would have ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

First Commandment
... He should have the first and only place in our affections? ... for every known religion,
so that every stranger should have a ... that is what their hearts are set on. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/first commandment.htm

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Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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