Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "affection". There are a few different Greek words translated "affection" in the New Testament. We have this in Romans 1:31 and in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:

Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: KJV

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. KJV

This is the Greek word "astorgos", which is a compound of the "a" which is a negative and "storge" which means love of kindred according to Vine's Expository Dictionary. It goes on to say 'especially of parents for children and children for parents'. We have seen so many more examples of this in recent years than ever before! It is unnatural and shows a negative or ungodly influence. The next one is found in 2 Corinthians 7:16:

2 Corinthians 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. KJV

This one is the Greek word "splagchnon", which Strong's Concordance says means: an intestine, figuratively, pity or sympathy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: heart (tender mercies). Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: 'the bowels' which were regarded by the Hebrews as the seat of tender 'affections'; hence the word denotes 'tender mercies or 'inward affection'. This one has more to do with the emotions and 'feelings'. Relying on these or making decisions based on them can be tricky! The best is found in the next one in Colossians 3:2:

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. KJV

This is the Greek word "phroneo". Strong's Concordance says: to exercise the mind, entertain or have sentiment or opinon, to be mentally disposed, intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to have understanding, be wise, to seek or strive for. Making a decision to direct our affections and choose to see things God's way sometimes takes discipline, but will ALWAYS produce good things in the end! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Never Have I Ever" which is all about the great LOVE that GOD has for us! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!