Infatuation
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Infatuation is a state of intense, often short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. It is characterized by an overwhelming attraction that can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive actions. While the term "infatuation" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept can be observed through various narratives and teachings that caution against allowing emotions to override wisdom and discernment.

Biblical Examples and Warnings

1. Samson and Delilah: One of the most illustrative examples of infatuation in the Bible is the account of Samson and Delilah. Samson, a judge of Israel, was infatuated with Delilah, a Philistine woman. His infatuation led him to reveal the secret of his strength, which ultimately resulted in his downfall. Judges 16:17 states, "So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, 'No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.'"

2. David and Bathsheba: King David's infatuation with Bathsheba led him to commit adultery and orchestrate the death of her husband, Uriah. This narrative highlights the destructive potential of unchecked desires. 2 Samuel 11:2-4 describes how David saw Bathsheba bathing and was overcome with desire, leading to a series of sinful actions.

3. Solomon's Wives: King Solomon, known for his wisdom, was led astray by his infatuation with foreign women. His many marriages to women from different nations led him to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-4 : "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. They were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love."

Teachings on Love and Wisdom

The Bible provides guidance on distinguishing between infatuation and genuine love. True love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. It is a love that endures and is rooted in truth and righteousness. Infatuation, by contrast, is often self-centered and fleeting.

Proverbs offers wisdom on guarding one's heart and exercising discernment. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of protecting one's heart from impulsive emotions that can lead to poor decisions.

The Role of Self-Control

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is essential in managing emotions and desires. The Bible encourages believers to exercise self-control to avoid the pitfalls of infatuation. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." This imagery highlights the vulnerability that comes with a lack of restraint.

Conclusion

While infatuation is a natural human experience, the Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment in their relationships and desires. By aligning one's heart with God's will and exercising self-control, individuals can navigate the challenges of infatuation and pursue relationships that honor God and reflect His love.
Topical Bible Verses
Titus 2:1-15
But speak you the things which become sound doctrine:
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1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
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1 John 4:8
He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.
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1 Corinthians 6:20
For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
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1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Romans 5:8
But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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1 John 2:1-29
My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
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Library

Solomon's Infatuation through Women.
... The Second Epistle of the Same Clement. Chapter XII."Solomon's Infatuation
Through Women. Hast thou not read the history of Solomon ...
/.../chapter xii solomons infatuation through women.htm

Peter's Denial and Repentance.
... had struck in the garden, and that he was now in the place of all others where it
was likely to be avenged, suddenly in a moment of infatuation, and doubtless ...
/.../xviii peters denial and repentance.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... If the blinding and infatuation of Ahab is a Judgment from God, the fiction of bare
permission is at an end; for it would be ridiculous for a judge only to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Council Held at Sardica.
... For their infatuation had led them so far as even to attempt the life of a bishop;
and he would have been killed had he not escaped from their hands. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter vi council held at sardica.htm

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... concealment. It is therefore mere infatuation to attempt to defend images
of God and the saints by the example of the Cherubim. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

Two Epistles Concerning Virginity
... Chapter XI.--Admonitory History of the Incestuous Children of David. Chapter
XII.--Solomon's Infatuation Through Women. Chapter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/two epistles concerning virginity/

Book Three the Story of his Student Days in Carthage, his ...
... The story of his student days in Carthage, his discovery of Cicero's Hortensius,
the enkindling of his philosophical interest, his infatuation with the ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book three the story of.htm

Objections to Prayer
... prayer to be transferred to the Springtime Zodiac, in order that one may have the
benefit of temperate air, so it would be the height of infatuation to imagine ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter iii objections to prayer.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... sorry gloss. Yet Tischendorf degrades pugme and promotes pukna to
honour,"happily standing alone in his infatuation. Strange, that ...
/.../chapter xii causes of corruption.htm

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
... But rebellion against God is not only wickedness, but folly and infatuation in the
extreme. Who ever hardened himself against the Lord and prospered? ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiv opposition to messiah.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about infatuation? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about stalking? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say that would apply to selfie culture? | GotQuestions.org

Infatuated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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