Some Japanese girls are all ga-ga for boyfriends who don’t really exist. An online dating simulation game called “Webkare” allows girls to choose a virtual guy to pursue online. They work with other players and read a series of conversations to woo their online love until he finally returns their affection.

While romantic online games can be harmless, many of us have been involved in real-life dating “games” that lead to bitter consequences.

Delilah is famous for the seductive games she played with Samson. The muscle man truly loved her, but she was in cahoots with Philistine rulers—his sworn enemies. The leaders each promised to “give [her] 1,100 pieces of silver” (v.5) for the secret of Samson’s strength.

Samson may have been physically strong, but he was emotionally wimpy. He allowed his girlfriend to manipulate him by asking, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me?” (v.15).

Delilah’s question is similar to what many people say to their love interests today: “If you really loved me you would . . .” (fill in the blank). Sound familiar? If it does, you might want to rethink your relationship, for true love “does not demand its own way” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

When Delilah finally figured out that it was Samson’s tresses that kept him tough, she lulled him to sleep and got somebody to shave his head. When he was vulnerable, and when she had what she wanted, “she began to bring him down” (v.19).

Sometimes we trick ourselves into believing that we can “play the players,” and end up with a relationship that will fulfill us and honor God. But the best thing to do with people who repeatedly use our emotions for their own satisfaction is to tell them: “Game over.”