As I consider how deeply I treasure affection from those I love, and remember that I am created in the image of God, a weightier truth continues to unfold: our affection for God is precious to Him. It is not peripheral to devotion; it is its living core.
Obedience, devotion, and pursuit offered without affection ring hollow in His heart. They may impress men, satisfy systems, and preserve appearances, but they do not satisfy God. For the sacrifice of the Lamb was a sweet-smelling aroma not merely because it was costly, but because it was love—pure, infinite affection poured out without reserve.
We are called to follow Him in this way (Ephesians 5:1-2). Yet affection cannot be manufactured, demanded, or produced by self-effort. It is not coerced by fear nor sustained by discipline alone. Affection is born in the heart that beholds God as He truly is—and having seen Him, can no longer remain indifferent.
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“Reason dictates that persons who are truly noble and who love wisdom will honor and love only what is true. They will refuse to follow traditional viewpoints if those viewpoints are worthless...Instead, a person who genuinely loves truth must choose to do and speak what is true, even if he is threatened with death...I have not come to flatter you by this written petition, nor to impress you by my words. I have come to simply beg that you do not pass judgment until you have made an accurate and thorough investigation. Your investigation must be free of prejudice, hearsay, and any desire to please the superstitious crowds. As for us, we are convinced that you can inflict no lasting evil on us. We can only do it to ourselves by proving to be wicked people. You can kill us—but you cannot harm us.” From Justin Martyr's first apology 150 A.D. Martyred A.D. 160