Affection

Positive feelings towards another, often expressed in terms of attachment and warmth.

People and things arouse affection

Whole churches

Philippians 1:7 See also 2 Corinthians 7:13–15

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

Friends

1 Samuel 18:1 See also 1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:41–42; John 11:36; Romans 16:5, Romans 16:9, Romans 16:12; Colossians 4:14; 3 John 1:1

After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.

Strangers

Luke 7:13

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”

The temple

Ezekiel 24:21

Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’

Jerusalem

Nehemiah 1:3–4 See also Psalm 137:6

And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Affection is sometimes expressed in familial terms

1 Samuel 3:16; 1 Corinthians 4:17 See also 1 Samuel 4:16, 1 Samuel 24:11; 2 Samuel 18:22; 2 Kings 2:12; John 13:33; 2 Corinthians 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:1; Philemon 1:10; 1 Peter 5:13; 1 John 2:28

but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel.

That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

Emotions expressing affection

Tenderness

Genesis 34:3 See also Luke 7:38; Philippians 2:1

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

Longing

Philippians 1:8 See also 2 Samuel 14:1; Matthew 23:37 parallel Luke 13:34; Romans 15:23; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Galatians 4:20; Philippians 2:26, Philippians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:4

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

Openness

2 Corinthians 6:11 See also 2 Corinthians 6:12–13

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.

Compassion

Matthew 9:36 parallel Mark 6:34 See also 1 Kings 3:26; Isaiah 49:15; Luke 15:20; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 3:8

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Sorrow

2 Corinthians 2:4 See also Psalm 35:14; Lamentations 2:11; Romans 9:2–3

For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

Joy

Philemon 1:7 See also Proverbs 23:15, Proverbs 27:11; Galatians 4:14–15; 2 John 1:12

I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Concern

1 Corinthians 4:14 See also Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 31:2–3; Ecclesiastes 12:12; 2 Corinthians 7:7, 2 Corinthians 8:16, 2 Corinthians 12:19; Galatians 4:11–12, Galatians 4:19; Philippians 4:10; 1 Timothy 1:18

I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.