Key Scripture JUDGES 16:4-22
Samson fell in love - Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” verses 4-5.
Samson followed his heart and fell in love. Love is beautiful and has all the wonderful attributes one can ever think or dream of.1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Samson loved Delilah, but did Delilah love Samson? Love must protect and be trustworthy. Delilah did not protect Samson, she rather sold him to his enemies. Delilah was persistent with her objective to destroy Samson. She tried on many occasions to get him to reveal the secret of his strength. He deliberately mislead her on three different occasions... why did Samson take so many risks with the safety of his life and future? Was Samson so in love that he became foolish?
When we glimpse the first signs of a relationship devoid of love, we must exercise caution. The Word of God urges us to guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life. Samson was careless with his heart. Delilah did not hide her evil intentions. She made it clear when thrice she revealed what she deemed the secret of his strength to his enemies.
Was Samson blinded by love? Love should cover a multitude of sin. However, love is not in denial. Love is truth! The plain truth was that Delilah was a traitor, and Samson in guarding his life should have fled from her. Any love that will harm is not safe or good for us. Love is not harmful, and love does not seek to hurt.
Are you experiencing violence and abuse from someone that claims to love you? Do you feel swamped by undue pressure from a loved one, so much so that you tend to do things against your will? Take a cue from Samson's journey to doom. Love is not abusive, and controlling, and is never self seeking.
WHAT IS NEXT?
