DEVOTION ~ LOVE OR LUST

Theme: Love or Lust

Text: 2 Samuel 13:11-15

11 Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!”

Many people in the world have ruined their lives because of lust and not due to love going wrong in their lives. Amnon mistaken his lusts for love and foolishly followed the advice of his cousin to his self destruction. Tamar's attempt to speak wisdom to him was futile due to the lustful passion that burns in him. 

Incest is an abomination, a shameful act that must not be a part of the body of Christ. This disgraceful act only tarnishes the image of those involved in it. The lust of the flesh is very strong such that, it takes self discipline and control to irresist its passion through the study and meditation on the Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Love is a fruit of the Spirit as lust is of the flesh. (Galatians 5:13-26)

The distinction between love and lust is that, love does no wrong always on the on the move to seek the good of others (refer to 1 Corinthians 13). Whereas lust is self-seeking, it extinguishes once the desire is satisfied and does not last longer. Lust creates uncertainty and fear of loosing out but there's no fear in love. If Amnon had listen to Tamar carefully, he would have rather place this demand before his father the king. His shameful act ended with hatred, regrets and resentment. Love is hardwork but the reverse is lust. Can you really tell what you are feeling; love or lust?

Prayer: Savior, lead me lest I stray,

Gently lead me all the way;

I am safe when by Thy side,

I would in Thy love abide.

Lead me, lead me,

Savior, lead me lest I stray;

Gently down the stream of time,

Lead me, Savior, all the way.

Thou the refuge of my soul

When life's stormy billows roll;

I am safe when Thou art nigh,

All my hopes on Thee rely.

Savior, lead me then at last,

When the storm of life is past,

To the land of endless day,

Where all tears are wiped away. AMEN!