We’re continuing our discussion in Judges. I did a podcast episode called “When you’re like Samson,” and wanted to expand on the topic. It’s inspired by Judges 16:15-22. The story of Samson and Delilah is not uncommon in the Christian world. We all know how she deceived him to earn money from the Philistines. Samson, being blinded by what he thought was love, ended up telling his heart and losing his strength from God.
This post will highlight verse 16. “And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death (ESV).” You’d think Samson would ask himself, “Why does she want to know so badly? Why does she want to know what makes me weak?”Yes, in relationships, our weaknesses will show. We all have flaws and make mistakes, but is the person you’re dating the cause of your growth? Or are they the cause of you compromising?
If you remember from Chapter 14 in Judges, Samson’s wife did the same thing to him. Pressing him to tell her the meaning of his riddle. As I mentioned in the previous post, Samson’s patterns in relationships didn’t change, even though this was a different woman he was with.Still, why didn’t he ask himself, “Why is Delilah pressing me so hard?” It even says in verse 19 of Chapter 16, “… she began to torment him, and his strength left him (ESV).” After she called a man to shave his head, she tormented him? I wonder what Delilah said to him. Did Samson not hear these torments? Or was he so comfortable in her lap he thought nothing of it? Perhaps the dating situation you’re in won’t compromise your physical strength, but what about your spiritual strength?
Do your torments sound like this? “If you love me, it’s okay for us to have sex if we’re not married. We have to test it out first. Stop being old-fashioned.” Or, “Why do we need a piece of paper to prove our love for each other? We can simply move in together. We don’t have to get married.” How about, “You’re taking your faith too seriously. No one lives like this, really.”What torments are you tolerating? Are you unaware of them like Samson? Are you so blinded by what you think is love, you don’t realize you’re slipping away from God? Can I tell you what actual love is? Jesus. The Bible says God is love. How did God show His love? By sending Jesus to the world, who gave His life willingly to save us from our sins. Sounds like to me, genuine love should sharpen you. Sacrifice for you.
Tell you the truth with grace and compassion. True love doesn’t vex you to death. It doesn’t torment you because perfect love casts out fear. It’s not rude or selfish. It doesn’t take offense or resent you. So if your relationship doesn’t reflect this, you’re settling for breadcrumbs. Don’t take the breadcrumbs when God wants to prepare a table for you in the presence of your enemies. Are Godly relationships perfect? No. Will you both still make mistakes? Yes, but you’ll both be striving to please Jesus.
So, take a lesson from Samson and ask God to change your dating patterns. Ask for discernment so you see what’s Him and what’s not Him. Either the fruits of the spirit are there or they’re not. There’s no in between. Compromising now could delay your blessing later. You could lose bigger than you ever imagined, like Samson. If Samson was fully faithful to God, could he have met a genuine woman? A woman who would have prayed for him? Supported him in his calling? A woman who would have protected his secret and his heart? We’ll never know.
Check out The Christian Singles Hub website for information on Christian matchmaking, Christian speed dating, upcoming Christian retreats, events, trips and so much more at https://thechristiansingleshub.com/
Written by Daria White Osah
You can find Daria Here:
Devotional https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Younger-Me-Devotional-Personal-ebook/dp/B09QRKBRGB/
Her podcast Single Plus https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/singleplus & on Instagram @mysingleplus
