How does Amnon's behavior contrast with biblical teachings on love and respect? A Disturbing Turn of Heart (2 Samuel 13:15) “Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred; in fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. ‘Get up!’ he said to her. ‘Leave!’ ” What Genuine Love Looks Like • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, keeps no record of wrongs, always protects. • Ephesians 5:25 — Husbands are to love sacrificially “just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” • Romans 12:10 — “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” • 1 John 3:16 — Love lays down its life for others, never uses them. Marks of Respect Scripture Demands • Philippians 2:3-4 — Consider others more important than yourself. • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 — Sexual sin “wrongs and defrauds” a brother or sister; God avenges such disregard. • 1 Peter 3:7 — Treat women with honor “so that your prayers will not be hindered.” • Colossians 3:19 — Husbands must not be harsh but cherish their wives. How Amnon Violated Every Standard • Self-sacrifice vs. Self-gratification — He pursued pleasure at Tamar’s expense. • Patience vs. Force — Love waits; Amnon forced. • Protection vs. Harm — Love shields; Amnon exploited and discarded. • Honor vs. Contempt — Love values; Amnon’s “intense hatred” showed total disrespect. • Lifelong commitment vs. Momentary appetite — Biblical love endures; Amnon’s feelings flipped the moment lust was satisfied. Fruit of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit • Galatians 5:19-21 — Sexual immorality, hatred, and fits of rage belong to the flesh. • Galatians 5:22-23 — Love, kindness, and self-control flow from the Spirit—everything Amnon lacked. Consequences that Follow Lustful Abuse • 2 Samuel 13:22-29 — Absalom’s revenge, family fracture, and bloodshed grew from Amnon’s sin. • Proverbs 6:32-33 — “He who commits adultery lacks judgment… disgrace will not be wiped away.” • Galatians 6:7 — A man reaps what he sows; Amnon’s harvest was death. Living the Contrast Today • Flee lust; pursue holiness (2 Timothy 2:22). • Treat every person as God’s image-bearer, never as an object. • Let Christ’s sacrificial example define relationships, not culture’s self-centered model. • Cultivate the Spirit’s fruit so love and respect overflow naturally. |
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