
Affection is mentioned many times in the Bible, and it is generally used to refer to feelings of warmth, attachment, and love. The Bible encourages people to show affection to their friends, family, and God. However, the Bible also warns against having affection for sin. According to the Bible, people should not let their affection for sin slow down their spiritual progress or lead them back to sin. While the Bible does not explicitly state that affection is a sin, it does caution against letting affection for sin interfere with one's relationship with God.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Affection is a sin | When it is for sin |
Affection is not a sin | When it is for God, family, friends, or a spouse |
Affection is not a sin | When it is mutual, tender, and earnest |
Affection is not a sin | When it is not lustful, coercive, or leading to temptation |
What You'll Learn
Affection for sin
Affection is not a sin according to the Bible. In fact, the Bible mentions affection several times, often in the context of familial or romantic love, friendship, and kindness. Affection is described as a positive feeling towards another, often expressed in terms of attachment and warmth.
However, the Bible does caution against having an "affection for sin." According to Francis de Sales, while people may turn away from serious sins and try not to commit them, they may still nurture an affection for sin, which can slow down spiritual progress and lead to future falls.
For example, in the book of Genesis, the Israelites physically left Egypt but still had affection for it in their hearts, longing for the food they had there. Similarly, Lot's wife looked back with affection on the doomed city of Sodom.
Having an affection for sin can manifest in various ways. For instance, a person might refrain from committing a sin but still begrudge having to give it up, talk about it longingly, or envy those who can engage in it. This "divided heart" can make the spiritual life wearisome and hinder one's ability to respond promptly and diligently to God's will and inspirations.
To overcome this attachment to sin, Francis de Sales recommends a recovery of the biblical worldview, meditating on truths such as all that God has given us, the ugliness and horror of sin, the reality of judgment and hell, and the beauty and glory of heaven.
In conclusion, while affection itself is not a sin, nurturing an affection for sin can be detrimental to one's spiritual growth and relationship with God.
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Affection in familial terms
Affection is a complex concept in the Bible, with various forms and expressions. One form of affection that is highlighted in the Bible is familial affection, also known as "storge" in Greek. This type of love is characterised by a deep bond forged through familiarity and dependency, often seen between parents and their children or long-time spouses.
The Bible provides several examples of storge, or familial affection. One instance is found in Genesis 29:34, where a woman expresses her expectation of affection from her husband after giving birth to their third son. Another example is found in Genesis 43:30, where Joseph is overcome by affection for his brother and weeps in his room. These narratives showcase the emotional depth of familial bonds.
In Romans 12:10, the Bible instructs believers to emulate familial affection within their Christian communities: "Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honour." This verse encourages Christians to cultivate deep, loving connections with one another, mirroring the devotion found in biological families.
Familial affection is also reflected in the love that God has for humanity. In Deuteronomy 10:15, it is written, "Yet on your fathers did the Lord set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day." This verse illustrates God's enduring love and affection for God's chosen people, a love that is renewed and merciful.
Additionally, the Bible emphasises the importance of honouring and cherishing familial relationships. In 1 Timothy 5:8, it is written, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This verse underscores the responsibility to care for and express affection towards family members.
Overall, the Bible values familial affection and encourages believers to cultivate deep, loving connections within their families and faith communities.
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Affection between friends
Affection is a virtue that the Bible encourages, but it is important to ensure that it is directed towards God and in accordance with His will. While the Bible does not explicitly mention whether affection between friends is a sin, it provides valuable guidance on choosing friends and the nature of friendship.
The Bible recognises the importance of friendship and the role of friends in providing love, healing, joy, and encouragement. For instance, Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages believers to "encourage one another and build each other up."
However, the Bible also warns against forming friendships with the wrong people. For example, 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions, "Bad company corrupts good character." Additionally, Proverbs 22:24-25 advises, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."
When it comes to affection between friends, the Bible uses the Greek word "philia," which encompasses love for brothers, friends, and even strangers. This type of love is distinct from other forms of love mentioned in the Bible, such as "eros" (erotic love), "storge" (affection between mother and infant), and "agape" (charity or divine love).
While the Bible does not explicitly state that affection between friends is a sin, it is important to exercise wisdom and discernment in friendships, ensuring that they align with God's commandments and promote mutual edification.
Ultimately, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate meaningful friendships marked by love, encouragement, and support while also being mindful of the potential pitfalls of forming unhealthy or ungodly alliances.
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Affection in marriage
Affection is an important part of a healthy marriage. According to the Bible, affection is a vital part of connecting with your spouse. It is natural for human beings to long for affection, as God has made us with a need to belong and to give and receive love.
- Understand why affection is important. Recognize that affection is a vital part of connecting with your spouse and that it is natural to long for affection.
- Examine your childhood memories of how your family expressed affection. Consider how that made you feel and how your background might be influencing your marriage. Challenge any lies from the past with God's truth and commit to making any necessary changes.
- Don't seek affection in the wrong places, such as through work, substances, or affairs.
- Evaluate your friendships with the opposite sex and set clear boundaries to protect your marriage.
- Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy needs. Healthy needs include the need to be understood, accepted, loved, and safe. Unhealthy needs include the need to control someone else.
- Keep your emotions in check. Don't let negative emotions drag you down when thinking about the lack of affection in your marriage. Find healthy outlets for your personal development, such as taking classes or volunteering.
- Give the gift of acceptance to your spouse by accepting them for who they are without demanding that they meet your idealized expectations.
- Learn your spouse's "affection language." Figure out if your spouse appreciates practical ways of showing affection, emotional connections, or sharing intellectual pursuits. Then, communicate your primary way of showing affection to your spouse.
- Take responsibility for how you have contributed to the problems in your marriage. Don't place all the blame on your spouse. Ask God for the wisdom and strength to change your attitudes and behaviors to achieve a healthier marriage.
- Be respectful when tackling issues in your marriage, such as irresponsibility, addictions, or abuse. Focus on present behavior and attitudes, clearly express your needs and desires, and hold your spouse accountable for their actions.
- Understand and work with gender differences. Recognize that both husbands and wives want to enjoy a close marriage but may have different ways of achieving that goal. Men want to be sexually satisfied, respected, and comfortable sharing their dreams and fears. Women want good communication, for their needs to be met, and plenty of affection.
- Be tender and demonstrate kindness, tenderness, and respect toward your spouse. Hug, kiss, cuddle, and speak encouraging words to your spouse.
- Don't neglect sexual intimacy. Share your sexual desires with your spouse and work together to create an exciting and comfortable sex life.
- Cast a vision for your marriage by asking God to give you and your spouse a clear picture of a desirable future together, including shared goals and responsibilities.
- Pursue spiritual growth together. Pray together, read the Bible, participate in church, and talk about how God is working in your lives.
- Build trust in your marriage by fulfilling your wedding vows, choosing to act in love toward your spouse, and honoring your spouse by placing their needs above your own.
By following these suggestions, you can increase the affection in your marriage and build a stronger, happier relationship.
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Affection for God
Affection is mentioned several times in the Bible, and it is clear that God wants us to have affection for Him. In Deuteronomy 10:15, the Bible says:
> Yet on your fathers did the Lord set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.
God's affection for His people is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:20:
> Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him. Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him, says the Lord.
The Bible also mentions that God the Father has affection for God the Son, and that Jesus laid down His life for His friends out of love.
In the New Testament, Paul writes about his affection for the church in Philippi:
> For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
The Bible also mentions that Christians should have affection for one another, and that they should set their minds on things above, not on earthly things.
In conclusion, the Bible is clear that God has affection for His people, and He wants His people to have affection for Him and for one another. This affection is to be expressed in practical ways, such as laying down one's life for one's friends, as Jesus did.
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Frequently asked questions
Affection is not a sin according to the Bible. Affection is mentioned in the Bible in the context of familial love, friendship, and romantic relationships.
The Bible does not explicitly state whether physical affection before marriage is a sin. However, it is mentioned that lust is a sin, and individuals are encouraged to reflect on their intentions and ensure they maintain self-control.
Kissing is mentioned in the Bible as a form of greeting and expression of affection between family and friends. While there is no clear answer regarding kissing outside of marriage, it is advised that individuals reflect on their intentions and ensure their actions do not lead them into temptation or sin.
According to Francis de Sales, having affection for sin can hinder spiritual progress and make individuals more susceptible to committing sins in the future. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of affection for sin and cultivating a biblical worldview.
Here are a few examples of Bible verses that mention affection:
- "She became pregnant again and had another son. She said, 'Now this time my husband will show me affection, because I have given birth to three sons for him.' That is why he was named Levi" (Genesis 29:34).
- "Joseph hurried out, for he was overcome by affection for his brother and was at the point of tears. So he went to his room and wept there" (Genesis 43:30).
- "Yet on your fathers did the Lord set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day" (Deuteronomy 10:15).