Read: Judges 16:4–22

The lords of the Philistines came to Delilah and said to her, “Coax him, and find out what makes his strength so great, and how we may overpower him, so that we may bind him in order to subdue him; and we will each give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Judges 16:5

 You cannot read the story of Samson and Delilah, and not feel as if Samson got exactly what he deserved. His relationship was based on lies—he knew it, Delilah knew it, and the Philistines were counting on it. Three times Delilah tried to trick Samson into giving himself up to the Philistines, and three times Samson overlooked the transgression. His lust for Delilah overwhelmed his better judgment—assuming he had capacity for better judgment! At the end of the story, Samson looks like a bald, broken fool.

There are many reasons why we may be tempted to overlook the failings of someone we are attracted to. We may excuse the lies, hurtful words, and even the abusive actions of someone with whom we feel we are in love. But true love does not lie, nor does it abuse. And a harmful offense by a partner or spouse should not be forgiven without evidence of real repentance. We are all tempted to be fools for love and lust, but let us not be fools for life.

Do you overlook the lies and careless behavior of someone you love?

Lord, if I truly love someone, and if I believe that person loves me, then deceit should have no place in the relationship. Surely we will fail in our efforts to love to the best of our ability from time to time, but a pattern of lies and hurtful behavior are unacceptable. Help me not to allow myself to be bound up in unhelpful and unhealthy relationships. Grant me the strength to break free from people who would willingly break me down. I know I make foolish decisions now and again, but more than anything, I want to enjoy faithful relationships. For this I pray, in Jesus’ name. AMEN.