The affections, as understood within the biblical context, refer to the emotional inclinations and attachments that individuals hold. Scripture emphasizes the importance of directing these affections towards the people of God, fostering a community bound by love, support, and mutual edification.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently underscores the significance of love and affection among believers. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This directive establishes love as a defining characteristic of the Christian community, setting the standard for how believers should relate to one another.

The Nature of Affection Among Believers

Affection among the people of God is not merely a superficial or emotional sentiment but is deeply rooted in the spiritual unity and shared identity in Christ. Romans 12:10 exhorts believers to "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This devotion is an expression of the familial bond that believers share, reflecting the love of Christ and the unity of the Spirit.

Practical Expressions of Affection

The New Testament provides numerous examples and instructions on how these affections should manifest in the life of the church. Acts 2:44-47 describes the early church as a community where "all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage illustrates the practical outworking of affection through generosity and communal support.

Furthermore, Galatians 6:10 encourages believers to "do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This prioritization of the people of God in acts of kindness and service highlights the special bond that exists within the Christian community.

Challenges and Encouragements

While the call to set affections upon the people of God is clear, it is not without challenges. Human relationships are often fraught with misunderstandings and conflicts. However, Colossians 3:12-14 provides guidance: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity."

This passage encourages believers to cultivate virtues that promote harmony and reconciliation, ensuring that their affections remain steadfastly set upon their fellow believers.

Theological Implications

Setting affections upon the people of God is not only a relational directive but also a theological one. It reflects the nature of God’s love for His people and the unity that believers have in Christ. Ephesians 4:2-3 calls for believers to "walk with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

In summary, the affections of believers should be intentionally directed towards the people of God, fostering a community that embodies the love, unity, and grace found in Christ. Through practical expressions of love, forgiveness, and service, the church becomes a living testimony of God’s redemptive work in the world.Psalm 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 7:13-15
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yes, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:8
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... the flint at one stroke; nor men's affections kindled at ... rather than the Gospel and
men's souls should suffer ... by; but that your hearts are set upon the welfare ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... 3. They also lose all delightful affections toward God: that ... Is it meet, then, that
you should be members of ... that error of mind which made them set light by God ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... Set your affection on things above' (Colossians 3:2 ... sweat, and give some check to
their unbridled affections. ... Methinks we should sometimes go aside into our ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

Psalm XCIX.
... as to place the evil where He ought to set the good; nor to place the good, where
He should have set the evil ... God therefore punished all their affections. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcix.htm

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... "But I do not love him as I should," I think ... loved another person for the sake of
a third one upon whom all your heart was set? ... In the affections of his heart; ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... to be the chief good, thou wilt never set thy heart ... of God, it is impossible your
heart should be in ... be but counters, it will not entice your affections to it. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xii directions how to.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... The affections cannot be carried to two contrarieties at the ... in the earth that we
should so set our hearts ... lest popery get a footing, lest God should go from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

How the Weaker Part of the Soul is the First to Yield to the ...
... that the children of Israel were weak, the dangerous snares should be set for them ...
of us, by particularly laying insidious snares for those affections of the ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvii how the weaker.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... of foolish and hurtful desires, of vile and vain affections. ... in turning the things
which should have been ... help to prayer; particularly when we set apart larger ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

How God is Jealous of Us.
... holy distrust of jealousy will be set upon the heart ... separates the soul from all
other affections, and purifies ... for it, that she thought she should have melted ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii how god is.htm

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