TOPIC: DON’T FALL FOR SYMPATHY SEX
Read 1 Samuel 25:38-43
MEMORISE
When the servants of David had come to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her saying, “David sent us to you to become his wife” (1 Samuel 25:40)
EXPOSITION
By sympathy sex, we mean the one that results from sympathising/empathising with the opposite sex concerning any situation. From pity to light/deep concern, to little/deep feelings, to unwholesome closeness, to bed, one thing leads to the other, until it becomes uncontrollably sinful.
David had had a bitter encounter with Abigail’s husband (Nabal); Abigail was the peacemaker. Nabal later reaped the fruit of his foolishness, stinginess and sour-mouthedness (1 Sam. 25:1-38).
One would have thought that was all with his household from David’s side. But, no! Actually, it is normal for David to pity Abigail, Nabal’s untimely widow, given the terrible situation of widows in those days (cf. 1 Kgs. 17:10ff; 2 Kgs. 4:1,2). However, this is where all of us should draw the line of caution as we empathise with, and seek to help others, most especially, the opposite sex. It can be sometimes disastrous! (cf. Gal. 6:1-5).
David could have just helped Abigail from afar off. Should he have married her despite having his own wife? So many people, ministers inclusive, have fallen into the traps and bottomless pits of strange women/men, unsuspectingly, because of pity. There are such strange people, unlike Abigail, who feign their situations just to get at their victims.
Please, set boundary between you and the opposite sex, no matter how badly they need your help. Helping them shouldn’t negatively affect your relationships with God and your family. Dear bachelor/spinster, don’t marry anyone because of pity. Danger looms! Avoid sympathy sex or marriage like plague!
Don’t be too close to widows and especially widows of your friends/colleagues. Help to the best of your ability except that “Sex” should not be involved.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to caution myself the way I relate with the opposite sex, so that I do not lead myself into the lion’s den.
2. Holy Spirit, help me to discern the boundary lines I should draw and maintain when I must help people of the opposite sex.
3. Pray for ministers of God who have fallen into the traps and dens of strange women, so that their ministries won’t be ruined.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Nehemiah 8:5 – 10:11; Acts 15:15 – 15:36
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!