Far From Love, Near to Lust: Amnonic Love explores one of the most confusing questions young people face in relationships: How do I know whether I am truly in love or simply experiencing lust?

Drawing lessons from the biblical story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, Mawuli Nyador exposes the dangerous difference between genuine love and selfish sexual desire. Amnon claimed to love Tamar, but his actions revealed something very different. His desire became obsessive, possessive, and destructive, ultimately resulting in sexual violence, hatred, shame, revenge, and death.

Through biblical teaching, practical examples, counselling experiences, and a comparison of love and lust, this book helps readers recognize the warning signs of relationships that may appear loving but are actually driven by selfish desire and sexual gratification.

Nyador examines what genuine love looks like—patience, kindness, faithfulness, sacrifice, commitment, respect, and concern for another person's wellbeing—and contrasts these qualities with the impatience, selfishness, possessiveness, manipulation, and uncontrolled desire associated with lust.

The book also addresses difficult realities faced by young people today, including sexual pressure, unhealthy relationships, exploitation, blackmail involving intimate images, sexual immorality, heartbreak, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, delayed goals, and the emotional and spiritual consequences of sexual relationships outside marriage.

Far From Love, Near to Lust is particularly relevant to teenagers, young adults, Christian youth, singles, parents, counsellors, church leaders, and anyone seeking biblical wisdom for relationships.

The central message is clear: not everything that feels like love is love. Learning to distinguish love from lust can help you make wiser relationship decisions, protect your future, honour God, and avoid consequences that can last a lifetime.

If you have ever wondered, “Is this love or lust?”, this book offers biblical principles and practical guidance to help you find the answer.