Love Versus LustSample

Love, Lust, and the Truth

Love is one of the most used and misunderstood words in our world. Everyone says, “I love you,” but not everyone means it. Genuine love comes from God and leads you closer to Him, while lust comes from the flesh and drags you away from His will. The Bible gives two powerful examples that contrast love and lust. Amnon, one of King David’s sons, claimed to love his half-sister, Tamar. He was so “in love” that he became sick with desire. But when he finally had his way, his so-called love turned instantly to hatred (2 Samuel 13:1–17). That wasn’t love; it was lust; selfish, impatient, and destructive.

Then there’s Jacob. He loved Rachel so deeply that he worked for seven years to marry her, and to him, they seemed but a few days. When tricked into marrying her sister Leah, Jacob worked another seven years to win Rachel’s hand (Genesis 29:16–28). His love was patient, respectful, and pure.

True love gives. Lust takes. True love waits. Lust rushes. Love honours God’s boundaries; lust breaks them.

Reflection Question: What signs can you see in your own relationships that show whether love or lust is leading?