LYING. Has a friend ever looked you in the eye and told you a bald-faced lie? It's a deep, sharp pain, isn't it? The shock of betrayal hits you like a cold wave, leaving you both stunned and belittled. The idea that someone you trust believes you are gullible enough to swallow such a tale is a blow to your intelligence and heart. It's a wound that cuts deep, and sadly, it's a wound inflicted all too often in our world today. Lying is not just a casual misstep; it's a pervasive problem that even infiltrates the hearts of those who profess to follow Christ. Many times, it's disturbingly brushed off as an acceptable sin, but should it be?
God's Word is unequivocal on this matter. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists lying among the things the Lord hates, placing it alongside other grievous sins such as murder and wicked actions. Proverbs 12:22 paints a vivid picture of God's perspective: lying is so vile, so appalling, that it is an abomination to God. It's not just frowned upon; it makes Him sick. Conversely, those who speak the truth are His delight. This stark contrast underscores the seriousness of lying. Therefore, in Colossians 3:9, we are commanded directly: "Do not lie to one another." This is not a mere suggestion but a clear directive urging us to uphold honesty in all our interactions, even those that may be difficult to address.
What's particularly disheartening when someone lies to you, they think they can fool you. It's as though they believe you won't catch on to their deception, as if they see you as gullible or unaware. Being lied to can feel like a personal insult—it's as if they're underestimating your ability to discern the truth.
But why do people lie? Often, it's because they're afraid of something. Maybe they fear the consequences of telling the truth or worry about what might happen if they face the reality of a situation. Sometimes, lying seems easier to handle difficult or uncertain circumstances. No matter the reason, lying isn't just about dishonesty; it's about avoiding discomfort or trying to control a situation. It's a way some people cope with their fears or try to navigate challenging moments.
Not too long ago, I was with a brother in Christ—a genuinely good person with a heart dedicated to serving God and others. However, during a conversation, something unsettling occurred. His eyes met mine as he spoke to me, but instead of truth, he spun a web of half-truths and outright fabrications. It caught me off guard. Here was someone I admired for his faith, yet he chose deceit over honesty.
I didn't confront him or accuse him of lying. Instead, I heard his words and chose to move forward with what was presented to me. Through years of experience, I've come to understand that when someone can lie without hesitation, it often indicates deeper issues beyond my ability to resolve. It's a troubling sign that something is not right within them—a clear internal struggle—evident in reflecting an evil heart, which only God can intervene and heal.
So, what do we do with liars? The answer, though simple, carries profound power: PRAY. When confronted with tales of deceit, our immediate response should be fervent and consistent prayer. Rather than confronting them directly, which may lead to defensiveness, arguments, or further deception, take the matter to your prayer closet with God. Get on your knees and cry out to God on their behalf, pleading for His intervention in their hearts to a restoration of truth.
Of course, there are times when confrontation is necessary. Liars who find lying difficult may benefit from loving rebuke and encouragement to change their choices. These individuals have hearts that are receptive and open to correction; they can be guided toward honesty and integrity.
However, those who can lie with a straight face, even in the name of Jesus, are in a dangerous state. They exhibit a heart hardening, and our response should be fervent prayer. We should pray that God would soften their hearts, convict them of their falsehoods, and guide them back to the path of truth. Our intercessory prayers should overflow with compassion and tears, lest we, too, be tempted to speak deceitfully.
Lastly, we must trust that God can transform their hearts and bring about change in the lives of those who feel compelled to lie. We can look forward to the day when they recognize their wrongdoing, come forward, and apologize. When that moment arrives, we will be there with open arms to hug them, extend forgiveness, and nurture a renewed friendship in Christ Jesus, moving forward together in grace and reconciliation.
Lying should never be an acceptable sin among us. We must strive to be people of truth, reflecting JESUS CHRIST in a world desperately needing it. When we encounter those who struggle with lying, our first response is to serve them through. In prayer, we invite God not only to work in their lives, healing their fears and realigning their hearts with His truth, but also to work within our own hearts, helping us refrain from judging and condemning others. Lying, at its core, is a sign of a troubled heart. By praying for liars, we are hoping not only for changed behavior but also for a transformed heart that embraces truth and rejects deceit. We are praying for reconciliation and fellowship with God and others.
May we all remember that truth is a cornerstone of our faith, and may our lives reflect that unwavering commitment to honesty in every word and deed.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
God's Word is unequivocal on this matter. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists lying among the things the Lord hates, placing it alongside other grievous sins such as murder and wicked actions. Proverbs 12:22 paints a vivid picture of God's perspective: lying is so vile, so appalling, that it is an abomination to God. It's not just frowned upon; it makes Him sick. Conversely, those who speak the truth are His delight. This stark contrast underscores the seriousness of lying. Therefore, in Colossians 3:9, we are commanded directly: "Do not lie to one another." This is not a mere suggestion but a clear directive urging us to uphold honesty in all our interactions, even those that may be difficult to address.
What's particularly disheartening when someone lies to you, they think they can fool you. It's as though they believe you won't catch on to their deception, as if they see you as gullible or unaware. Being lied to can feel like a personal insult—it's as if they're underestimating your ability to discern the truth.
But why do people lie? Often, it's because they're afraid of something. Maybe they fear the consequences of telling the truth or worry about what might happen if they face the reality of a situation. Sometimes, lying seems easier to handle difficult or uncertain circumstances. No matter the reason, lying isn't just about dishonesty; it's about avoiding discomfort or trying to control a situation. It's a way some people cope with their fears or try to navigate challenging moments.
Not too long ago, I was with a brother in Christ—a genuinely good person with a heart dedicated to serving God and others. However, during a conversation, something unsettling occurred. His eyes met mine as he spoke to me, but instead of truth, he spun a web of half-truths and outright fabrications. It caught me off guard. Here was someone I admired for his faith, yet he chose deceit over honesty.
I didn't confront him or accuse him of lying. Instead, I heard his words and chose to move forward with what was presented to me. Through years of experience, I've come to understand that when someone can lie without hesitation, it often indicates deeper issues beyond my ability to resolve. It's a troubling sign that something is not right within them—a clear internal struggle—evident in reflecting an evil heart, which only God can intervene and heal.
So, what do we do with liars? The answer, though simple, carries profound power: PRAY. When confronted with tales of deceit, our immediate response should be fervent and consistent prayer. Rather than confronting them directly, which may lead to defensiveness, arguments, or further deception, take the matter to your prayer closet with God. Get on your knees and cry out to God on their behalf, pleading for His intervention in their hearts to a restoration of truth.
Of course, there are times when confrontation is necessary. Liars who find lying difficult may benefit from loving rebuke and encouragement to change their choices. These individuals have hearts that are receptive and open to correction; they can be guided toward honesty and integrity.
However, those who can lie with a straight face, even in the name of Jesus, are in a dangerous state. They exhibit a heart hardening, and our response should be fervent prayer. We should pray that God would soften their hearts, convict them of their falsehoods, and guide them back to the path of truth. Our intercessory prayers should overflow with compassion and tears, lest we, too, be tempted to speak deceitfully.
Lastly, we must trust that God can transform their hearts and bring about change in the lives of those who feel compelled to lie. We can look forward to the day when they recognize their wrongdoing, come forward, and apologize. When that moment arrives, we will be there with open arms to hug them, extend forgiveness, and nurture a renewed friendship in Christ Jesus, moving forward together in grace and reconciliation.
Lying should never be an acceptable sin among us. We must strive to be people of truth, reflecting JESUS CHRIST in a world desperately needing it. When we encounter those who struggle with lying, our first response is to serve them through. In prayer, we invite God not only to work in their lives, healing their fears and realigning their hearts with His truth, but also to work within our own hearts, helping us refrain from judging and condemning others. Lying, at its core, is a sign of a troubled heart. By praying for liars, we are hoping not only for changed behavior but also for a transformed heart that embraces truth and rejects deceit. We are praying for reconciliation and fellowship with God and others.
May we all remember that truth is a cornerstone of our faith, and may our lives reflect that unwavering commitment to honesty in every word and deed.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
