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What Amnon did was deplorable, taking advantage of his sister. In the heat of his lust, he did not pause to consider the repercussions of his actions on Tamar or himself. Instead, he believed the lie that his sin would satisfy him beyond the moment. This is the nature of sin: short-sighted and deeply selfish. While Amnon’s actions are tragic for the hurt and disgrace they brought to his sister, the cycle of sin carried on through his brother Absalom is what ultimately brings him to ruin.

This is the true tragedy of sin: if left to its own devices, it will only breed and multiply in the lives of others. Matthew 18:15 tells us that if a brother has sinned against you, you are called to confront them, bringing forward their fault so they might repent, and you might forgive them. Instead of confronting his brother, Absalom keeps quiet and lets contempt grow in his heart, eventually leading to inciting his brother’s death. Unconfronted sin led to more sin.

How do you respond when sinned against? Do you keep quiet and let bitterness and unforgiveness grow? Or do you confront your brother or sister with the goal of forgiveness? We are called to be people who, at all costs, seek forgiveness so that the pattern of sin will stop.

Final Exhortation: Pray the Lord identifies any area of your heart holding on to contempt towards someone and ask, “Is this a person I need to address and/or forgive?”

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