Protecting your heart and loving others with God's love
2 Samuel 13 tells a painful story of family tragedy. Amnon, driven by sinful desire, was encouraged by his cousin Jonadab to commit a sexual sin against his half-sister Tamar. This chapter shows how sinful desires and the failure to act with godly wisdom can cause great damage. Lust, jealousy, hatred and pride may seem personal, but they impact not only ourselves, but they will also hurt people around us.
Amnon’s sin began in his thoughts. Jesus warns us that even lustful thoughts are sinful (Matthew 5:28). If we do not resist evil desire within us, it will grow and eventually lead to spiritual destruction. (James 1:14-15).
After Amnon raped Tamar, his “love” turned into hate. Although he claimed to be in love, he was actually overcome by lust. True love and lust are very different. True love is patient, kind, and seeks the good of others, while lust is selfish, harsh, and demands immediate satisfaction.
King David was angry with Amnon for what he had done, but he did not punish him. Perhaps he hesitated because Amnon was his firstborn son (1 Chronicles 3:1) or perhaps because he felt guilty of his own sins. As followers of Christ, we should act justly and speak truth in love. Ignoring sin whether in our own lives or in situations we witness, it will only allow harm to grow.
Absalom secretly planned revenge against Amnon by himself, which led to even more tragedy. Romans 12:19 reminds us not to take revenge, because vengeance belongs to God, and He will repay in His perfect time.
Let us guard our hearts, thoughts, and desires through prayer and by meditating on God’s Word. Let us love others with the selfless, patient, and pure love of God.
