Encouragement

Lusting After The Flesh Part 1

by Janice S Ramkissoon 
11/06/15
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A Deceptive Spirit-- Lusting after the flesh

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.…”(James 1:14-16)

King David used his power/authority to manipulate those under his rule, in order to fulfil his lustful desires. He slept with another man's wife.  She got pregnant. Then He tried to hide it through the use of deceptive methods. When that didn't work he sent orders to get the man killed in battle.

Two brothers: Absalom and Amnon had the same father (King David) but different mothers. The two stopped talking to each other because of a crime done by one (Amnon) to the other (Absalom). Absalom had a beautiful unmarried sister called Tamar. Amnon lusted after her and failing to control his lustful desires he used deceptive methods to be alone with her then raped her. So Absalom hated him for it and plotted to kill him, the same way Amnon had plotted to rape his sister.

Amnon was not repentant. Forgiveness did not take place and so there was no reconciliation. Instead, the deception that gave way to the violent act of rape also gave way to revenge which resulted in death.

But it didn't stop there!

Absalom's rage was not calmed by his revenge. He ended up on the run and was controlled by his hatred. Then he planned a rebellion which found his father running for his life. In the end, Absalom was killed.

Revenge is never the answer. There are no winners when revenge is used to solve a problem. Both sides lose. That is why your loved ones always say, 'Forgive!' to you, whenever a disagreement causes a division. They mean well. Take heed, if forgiveness is being sought. It will save you from becoming bitter.

However, if like Amnon they aren't seeking forgiveness, then others saying to you, 'Forgive,' really does not fit into the situation and will not be received by the heart. It may even make you angry and cause you to react negatively. If that is indeed the case for you, you may wait in vain to hear, "Sorry." So I would advise you to release it to God and ask Him for the courage to 'let it go.' That means, hand it over to God and allow Him to deal with the calloused heart.

Vengeance belongs to God, not man. You cannot give just punishment. God knows just how to deal with hardened hearts. He alone has the remedy for each damaged vessel. If we allow Him to act on our behalf, He will do the breaking, moulding and mending of those damaged vessels. Hand it over to Him. It's the only way to heal from it.

While He's working on their hearts, ask Him for the courage to heal from the hurt inflicted on you and your loved ones. The Healer lives in you, if you are a believer. Therefore, you already have all you need to receive that healing. Be healed. Then move forward in your life, daily seeking His strength to help you stand while you support your loved one back on their feet so that they can regain strength to stand and live again.

The lessons I have learned includes the following:

1. Each Tamar we encounter in this world needs a helping hand to stand strong. They need that much more than the need for someone to fight their battles for them.


2. For Amnon to become all that he was created to be, he will need a friend who will not give-in to the temptation of people-pleasing (by simply telling Amnon what he wants to hear) but by helping him to maintain his integrity (even if he loses his friendship for a period). A friend loves at all times--he has your best interest at heart. Friendship is a privilege. Strive to be a true friend.

Part 1/3 

Lusting After the Flesh 2: http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=180889