Affection

People and things arouse affection

Whole churches

Philippians 1:7 ESV

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

See also 2 Co 7:13–15

Friends

1 Samuel 18:1 ESV

As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

See also 1 Sa 18:3; 1 Sa 20:41–42; Jn 11:36; Ro 16:5; Ro 16:9; Ro 16:12; Col 4:14; 3 Jn 1

Strangers

Luke 7:13 ESV

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

The temple

Ezekiel 24:21 ESV

‘Say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the yearning of your soul, and your sons and your daughters whom you left behind shall fall by the sword.

Jerusalem

Nehemiah 1:3–4 ESV

And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

See also Ps 137:6

Affection is sometimes expressed in familial terms

1 Sa 3:16; 1 Co 4:17

See also 1 Sa 4:16; 1 Sa 24:11; 2 Sa 18:22; 2 Ki 2:12; Jn 13:33; 2 Co 6:13; 2 Ti 2:1; Phm 10; 1 Pe 5:13; 1 Jn 2:28

Emotions expressing affection

Tenderness

Genesis 34:3 ESV

And his soul was drawn to Dinah the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her.

See also Lk 7:38; Php 2:1

Longing

Philippians 1:8 ESV

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

See also 2 Sa 14:1; Mt 23:37; Ro 15:23; 2 Co 7:11; Ga 4:20; Php 2:26; Php 4:1; 2 Ti 1:4

Openness

2 Corinthians 6:11 ESV

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.

See also 2 Co 6:12–13

Compassion

Matthew 9:36 ESV

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

See also 1 Ki 3:26; Is 49:15; Lk 15:20; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12; 1 Pe 3:8

Sorrow

2 Corinthians 2:4 ESV

For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

See also Ps 35:14; La 2:11; Ro 9:2–3

Joy

Philemon 7 ESV

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

See also Pr 23:15; Pr 27:11; Ga 4:14–15; 2 Jn 12

Concern

1 Corinthians 4:14 ESV

I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

See also Pr 1:8; Pr 27:6; Pr 31:2–3; Ec 12:12; 2 Co 7:7; 2 Co 8:16; 2 Co 12:19; Ga 4:11–12; Ga 4:19; Php 4:10; 1 Ti 1:18