In A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections Jonathan Edwards lays before his readers the biblical foundation of true religion: the affections. One’s affections are “no other than the more vigorous and sensible exercises of the inclination and the will of the soul.”
Edwards is not talking about one’s logical understanding or sudden passions, but the deepest enduring propensity of one’s heart. He makes clear the true religion is not found in fleeting emotions. Nor is it found in external change or performance. Rather, true religion lies in the affections of the soul. Edwards writes, “ That religion which God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless wishes, raising us but a little above a state of indifference: God, in His word, greatly insists upon it, that we be in good earnest, “fervent in spirit,” and our hearts vigorously engaged in religion.”
Edwards so powerful writes:
If we be not in good earnest in religion, and our wills are inclinations be not strongly exercises, we are nothing. The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful. In nothing is vigor in the actings of our inclinations so requisite as in religion; and in nothing is lukewarmness so odious. True religion is evermore a powerful thing; and the power of it appears, in the first place in the inward exercises of it in the heart, where is the principle and original seat of it.
Religious affection originates in the heart, and once it is thus rooted it grows outward with great strength. Therefore, true religious affections will bring about the stirring-up of grief, compassion, and hope in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. And it is this inclination which governs us in our actions! Out of our grief we must be moved toward prayer. Our compassion must arouse us to give, send, go, or sacrifice. Furthermore, our hope frees us to trust in God’s great plan of redemption for every lost life and suffering child. These responses, without the deeper roots of religious affections will be beneficial, yet short-lived. Many of the aids and funds will run dry as history has demonstrated, but if we are driven by Christ’s love for lost and suffering people we will persevere in serving Haiti. We ought to be humbled by such a great responsibility and privilege to serve and comport the men, women, and children suffering in Haiti. Let us not grow weary or fainthearted while so many remain in need.
