Affection

People and things arouse affection

Whole churches

Philippians 1:7 NIV

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

See also 2 Co 7:13–15

Friends

1 Samuel 18:1 NIV

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

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 NIV

When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

The temple

Ezekiel 24:21 NIV

Say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary—the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.

Jerusalem

Nehemiah 1:3–4 NIV

They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed 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 NIV

His heart was drawn to Dinah 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 NIV

God can testify how I long for all of you 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 NIV

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.

See also 2 Co 6:12–13

Compassion

Matthew 9:36 NIV

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on 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 NIV

For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

See also Ps 35:14; La 2:11; Ro 9:2–3

Joy

Philemon 7 NIV

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

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

Concern

1 Corinthians 4:14 NIV

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear 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