Affection is a natural part of human relationships, but what does the Bible say about it? Whether it’s between family members, friends, or romantic partners, Scripture gives us insights into how to express affection in a way that honors God and others. Let’s take a look at what the Bible teaches about love, affection, and the importance of showing care for the people in our lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About Affection
1 John 4:7-8
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
This verse reminds us that love is a reflection of our relationship with God. As Christians, we are called to show affection and love towards one another, as it is a manifestation of the love that comes from God. It is through love that we truly know and experience God’s presence. Lack of love is an indicator of a lack of understanding and connection with God.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of affection in this verse. He commands His followers to love one another just as He has loved them. The kind of love that Jesus demonstrated was sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. This verse challenges us to go beyond superficial affection and to love others with the same depth and commitment that Jesus has shown us.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
The famous “Love Chapter” in Corinthians describes the characteristics of true affection. Love is patient and kind, devoid of envy, pride, and selfishness. It is forgiving and does not keep a tally of wrongs. Love seeks the truth and always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. This passage sets a high standard for the way we should express our affection toward others, extending beyond mere words and into kind and selfless actions.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse highlights the ethical aspect of affection. Genuine love does not harm or cause injury to others. In fact, it encompasses all that the law demands. Love guides us in treating others with respect, compassion, and integrity, fulfilling the essence of God’s commandments.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Affection is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. When we live in relationship with God and yield to the work of the Spirit in our lives, love naturally flows from us. It is accompanied by other qualities such as joy, peace, kindness, and self-control. These fruits of the Spirit are the evidence of God’s transforming presence in our lives and should be evident in our actions and interactions with others.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Peter emphasizes the importance of deep affection in this verse. Love has the power to forgive and overlook the offenses and shortcomings of others. It is a powerful force that leads to reconciliation, unity, and healing. When we love one another deeply, we are extending grace and allowing God’s love to shine through us.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse urges believers to go beyond superficial affection and to be genuinely devoted to one another. Affection should be characterized by honor and respect, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above our own. It is a call to selflessness and humility in our relationships.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Love serves as a unifying force that brings together all other virtues. It acts as the glue that holds everything together, ensuring harmony and unity in our relationships. Love is not just one among many virtues but is the foundation on which all others are built.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second [commandment] is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Affection extends not only to those within our immediate circle but also to our neighbors. Jesus teaches that we are to love others as we love ourselves. This means showing care, compassion, and empathy to those around us, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
True affection is demonstrated in times of both joy and hardship. A genuine friend is one who loves consistently and stands by us through every season of life, providing support and encouragement. Affectionate relationships are built on loyalty and commitment.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
“Now about your love for one another, we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”
God’s instruction and influence are crucial in understanding how to express affection towards others. As believers, we are called to love one another as God has taught us. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit guides and empowers us to embody love in our relationships, making it a natural outflow of our faith.
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Affection involves humility, gentleness, and patience. It requires us to bear with one another’s flaws and shortcomings, demonstrating understanding and forgiveness. Practicing these virtues contributes to healthy and loving relationships within the Christian community.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Affectionate relationships within the body of believers are important for experiencing unity and harmony. When Christians love one another and live in unity, it pleases God and creates an environment that encourages growth, fellowship, and the spreading of His love to the world.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse serves as a reminder to let love be the guiding principle in all aspects of our lives. Every action, word, and decision should be rooted in love. When we approach life with love as our motivation, it transforms our attitudes and priorities, ultimately impacting our relationships and interactions with others.
Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Affection should not be superficial or hypocritical but rather characterized by sincerity and genuine care. In order to truly love others, we must also discern between what is good and evil according to God’s Word. Love compels us to reject evil and wholeheartedly embrace what is good and pleasing to God.
1 John 4:12
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
Our affectionate relationships with others provide opportunities for God’s love to be manifested. As we love and show affection to one another, God’s presence is made evident. Our love for one another serves as a testimony of God’s love dwelling within us, reflecting His character to the world.
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Affectionate relationships should inspire and motivate one another to continue growing in love and to engage in acts of kindness and righteousness. When we encourage and challenge each other to live out love and good works, we contribute to the spiritual growth and transformation of our fellow believers.
Psalm 136:26
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”
Affection is not only demonstrated in our relationships with one another but also in our relationship with God. God’s love for us is eternal and unwavering. Expressing our gratitude and appreciation for His steadfast love is an important aspect of our faith journey, fostering a deeper connection with Him and fueling our ability to love others.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Affection extends even to those who may be difficult to love. Jesus challenges His followers to extend love to their enemies, choosing to do good, bless, and pray for those who may mistreat them. This radical form of love goes beyond societal norms and demonstrates the transformative power of God’s love working within us.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse emphasizes the power of love to bring healing and reconciliation. Love has the ability to diffuse conflicts and repair broken relationships. Choosing to respond with affection rather than hatred or anger paves the way for forgiveness and restoration.
Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Affection towards God and others forms the foundation of the Christian faith. Loving God encompasses our entire being and is tied to loving our neighbors. These commandments summarize the crux of the Gospel and reveal the absolute importance of affection in our lives as believers.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Affection is a central part of the Christian faith. This verse highlights that love surpasses faith and hope in importance. Love, as demonstrated by God’s unconditional and sacrificial love for us, is the pinnacle of our relationship with Him and with one another. It is the driving force behind our faith and the source of eternal hope.