Lying

[Droobie]

Is lying a sin? Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying? What is going on in John 7:8-10? Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you?

How much do you weigh?

Do I look fat in this?

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans)

[Mid]

Why not answer it truthfully. If the person doesnt want to know the truth why ask? My mom asked me once if I liked her windows that she LOVED and had just put in, and I said "No, I dont". And she became enraged at me! I said"Well why did you ask if you didnt want to know? Did you expect me to lie?" She said "Yes". This kills me. I am a person that will say things very bluntly. Why lie? Whats the point? TO protect someones feelings? Wouldnt their feelings be hurt much more if they found out that you lied?

[jimigold]

There wasen't one that potrayed exactly how i feel. Let me tell you a story:

In the great world war a christian woman was hiding Jews from the Nazi's in her house, many people had been killed for doing that and she helped hundreds of Jews escape the hands of Hitler. Now i think that we would all agree that that was the right thing (and a very brave thing) to do.

She would have to lie countless times to Soldiers coming around to her house doing searches for these Jews.

I rest my case.

Lying in most cases is wrong but Christianity is more than just following a set of guidelines blindly.

You can't slim it down to right and wrong in this case.

I would say:

No, except in some cases

jimi

[Mid]

how about if you could somehow "go around" the persons question without really answering and yet satisfy the questioner. This is something that I have done, although rarely, and I think tthhat it's better then lying. In this way, you neither lie nor tell the truth.

[Jenna]

I don't really think that there is a time when telling a lie is a good thing, even if you might hurt someone's feelings. On the other hand, there is a huge difference between being truthful and tactful.........and just acting like an unfeeling jerk. Agreed? :)

[Mid]

I agree with that Jenna. If you are to be truthful you should avoid being a jerk while at it. Say it in a way that is the least hurtful.

[Droobie]

That's an interesting story Jimigold. I don't doubt it's truth, as I'm sure there are many such stories during times of war. Have you read the book of Joshua 2:4 in the Bible? A similar story is there where a woman lies to protect spies from the army of Israel.

Then again, Leviticus 19:11, Psalm 101:7, Proverbs 12:22, and Colossians 3:9 all speak against lying.

Is it possible to lie 'with good intentions'?

[Smilin]

Consider what Revelations sais concerning liars:

Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Telling the truth is much more difficult, but the consequences of lying are
clear according to God's word. We all, as children of God, face
the crossroads when we must decide whether to lie or tell the truth.

[Mid]

Also, lying causes a person to distrust you, and I am sure that many of you Know how hard it is to gain a persons trust, whether for the second time OR the first. Who wants to be distrusted? I imagine that it is a horrible feeling, especially if the person that has become distrustful is someone that you love. It doesnt feel good to walk around living a lie either. I have heard that for every lie you say, you must create ten new lies to protect the first and so on. Who wants to live as a lie?

[ZiSunka]

If I was hiding Jews in my house and someone asked me directly, "Are you hiding Jews?" I think I would answer something like, "Why would you even ask that?" or "Why would I do that?"

It's not lying, yet not letting on that there is anyone hiding in my house.

[Mid]

YES!!!!! Lambslove, you know what I mean, then? Answering their question without answering it?

[seebs]

I don't like the poll options. Given the traditional extreme examples ("The SS officers ask you if there are any Jews hiding in your attic"), I don't see lying as a bad thing... but I don't want to imply that it's "okay" to lie, because people tend to take this in support of "social lies", which I don't think are okay.

[ZiSunka]

Yeah, like responding, "What are you accusing me for?!" It's not revealing anything, but it's not lying. It's sort of deflecting the question.

[HtH]

Well, I reckon it's OK to lie a little, as it makes social contact (at least in the beginning) oh so much easier. But big lies, lies that will affect the person to whom you are lying, are a definite no no.
Telling the truth generally works out better in the long run, though.

[paulewog]

Er, lieing is wrong.

"Social lies" ... like polite things to say "How nice to see you!" when you really are thinking "Oh great, not him again, what a day." .... I don't know about those either ;) Evading a question is sometimes a good idea.

[Jedi]

I think one thing that we should all note is that lying is, no matter what, wrong (I couldn't imagine Jesus lying). As far as the "Jews in the attic" circumstance is concerned, you are stuck with a different choice: Rat out some Jews and get them killed, or lie. It is now no longer a question of "Is lying wrong," but rather "Which is the lesser of the two evils?" I would personally try to deceive them using the truth (Like someone said earlier "Why would you ask that?" Or "Do you really think I'd be that stupid to hide Jews here?"). By doing so, you're letting them assume the answer without you even giving one. Pretty crafty, eh? :)

[A Sheep]

Lying is always wrong. You can create guilt-trip scenarios but it does not change anything; if something is a sin it is a sin. Remember in the NT, it states that even if you are poor and starving, stealing a loaf of bread is still a sin; even if you are hungry unto death. Sin is sin is sin.

[l33tace]

Originally posted by Droobie
That's an interesting story Jimigold.  I don't doubt it's truth, as I'm sure there are many such stories during times of war.  Have you read the book of Joshua 2:4 in the Bible?  A similar story is there where a woman lies to protect spies from the army of Israel.

Then again, Leviticus 19:11, Psalm 101:7, Proverbs 12:22, and Colossians 3:9 all speak against lying.

Is it possible to lie 'with good intentions'?

Rahab the Harlot? She was not a woman of God and I think they should not have taken refuge there in the first place, IMHO. I also want to point out with that verse that if she did tell the truth it may not have resulted in the death or capture of the spies.


A lie is a lie and we should not treat it as any thing more or less. God says it’s wrong. If I am confronted with a situation where an option to lie is at hand for whatever reason than I hope I not lie but pray instead. Maybe God will send 10,000 battle-hardened angels? Who is to say? :pray:

[SMELLY SHOE]

lying is wrong

[EspressoMafioso]

theres no way you can never lie..not possible

[babysongbird]

I think you can get around having to lie to someone if they ask
Am I fat? You could just tell them they are beautiful to you. I have been taught that to lie is a sin just like killing, they are both bad because they are sins. I think you can be nice without having to lie about something. Just thought I would give my one cent opinion,lol.

[aaron]

Originally posted by jimigold
There wasen't one that potrayed exactly how i feel. Let me tell you a story:

In the great world war a christian woman was hiding Jews from the Nazi's in her house, many people had been killed for doing that and she helped hundreds of Jews escape the hands of Hitler. Now i think that we would all agree that that was the right thing (and a very brave thing) to do.

She would have to lie countless times to Soldiers coming around to her house doing searches for these Jews.

I rest my case.

Lying in most cases is wrong but Christianity is more than just following a set of guidelines blindly.

You can't slim it down to right and wrong in this case.

I would say:

No, except in some cases

jimi

I feel the same way. If you have two contradicting morals you have to pick the best one. In some cases it means to lie.

[healthwoman]

It's a sin.

[MetalBlade]

Lying is a sin, no matter what way you look at it. I don't think it is a major sin though. No matter what kind of sin it is, we should always ask for forgviness!!

[Doreen]

I tell the truth because lying is a sin and also if you lie how are you meant to remember what story you told someone to start with. Being honest is much easier all round.

[WorshipTheLamb]

Yes it is a sin and no it's not ok to lie.

If it where somthing like hiding Jews in the holocust(sp?) That's different.

[CeCe]

24th March 2003 at 01:33 AM Doreen said this in Post #25 (http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?postid=732427#post732427)

I tell the truth because lying is a sin and also if you lie how are you meant to remember what story you told someone to start with. Being honest is much easier all round.




Amen to that. :angel: 

I believe we should just be honest. Not mean, but lying is wrong.

[*Jessica*]

Lying is always a sin. I do beleive in being tactful with the truth, however.

[Stryper]

lying=sin

[TwinCrier]

In my opinion, lying means you don't trust the person to do the right thing if they know the truth. In rare cases, like the Nazi's coming to your house when you're hiding Jews, it is justified because you KNOW they will do evil, but in most cases, people deserve the right to make decisions based on the truth.

[bop1997]

I agree why lie? I think lying is a sin!

[Poiema]

There is NEVER a good time to lie. Yes, God can use someone'ssin to His own glory but the outcome of sin is NEVER as rewarding as the outcome of righteous living.
I don't doubt that many lives were saved during WWII because people lied, but what about those that purposed in their hearts never to lie and were also saved? There is the account of a Christian couple who were protecting Jews and when soldiers approached the house the horses refused to go near, rearing up, throwing their riders and running away. The soldiers were so afraid that they didn't go near the house, but turned and chased down their horses. The couple was left alone until the end of the war.

How can God honor those who will not honor him? We honor Him best when we are like Him and God is not a liar, how can we make excuse to lie?

[SUNSTONE]

If I was hiding Jews in my house and someone asked me directly, "Are you hiding Jews?" I think I would answer something like, "Why would you even ask that?" or "Why would I do that?"

It's not lying, yet not letting on that there is anyone hiding in my house.

Jesus said that the sabboth was made for man. That has me thinking, that the laws also were made for man, just maybe.

If that is the case, this is one time where it probably would be a sin to say "yes i am hiding Jews". Perhaps, just perhaps it would be a sin to tell the truth.
But if you had faith so strong that you knew God would save you, like Danielle then it would be a sin to like.

Man would that be a test of faith, one at this given time, I probably would fail. :cry:

[Poiema]

Jesus said that the sabboth was made for man. That has me thinking, that the laws also were made for man, just maybe.

If that is the case, this is one time where it probably would be a sin to say "yes i am hiding Jews". Perhaps, just perhaps it would be a sin to tell the truth.
But if you had faith so strong that you knew God would save you, like Danielle then it would be a sin to like.

Man would that be a test of faith, one at this given time, I probably would fail. :cry:

YesLaws are made for men, but why? God established the law to ultimately show that we cannot follow the law without Him, but the law also keeps us from harming each other and gives us a guide for being more Christlike.

You pose the question of would it ever be a sin to tell the truth, especially in a case where telling the Truth results in death. I understand your concern for those lives you would be trying to protect, but Truth is NEVER a sin. God is Truth and has nothing to do with sin. If God is Truth then how could trutth ever be a sin?

When questions like hiding Jews are posed to us we often forget that God does not see things the way we do. "I" do not protect these people. God does. If I am placed in a situation where truth might result in death, is God not aware of the situation? Doesn't He still care for me and those I am hiding? Does He not cherish those I'm hiding even moreso than I?
Yes.
The thing is, though, that God does not view physical death as we do. If it is meant for those people to live, then HE is responsible for that, not I ... and my sin can NEVER be better than God's will ... even with the best of intentions.

The end does not justify the means.

[Konnie]

No. It's not okay to lie. Lying is a sin.

[BarbB]

but what about those that purposed in their hearts never to lie and were also saved? There is the account of a Christian couple who were protecting Jews and when soldiers approached the house the horses refused to go near, rearing up, throwing their riders and running away. The soldiers were so afraid that they didn't go near the house, but turned and chased down their horses. The couple was left alone until the end of the war.

How can God honor those who will not honor him? We honor Him best when we are like Him and God is not a liar, how can we make excuse to lie?

This is beautiful!!! We must trust God to honor ur for honoring him and his commandments (both OT and NT). Lying (along with swearing) was one of the hardest things for me to stop doing after I was saved! I had lied most of my life and it was a part of me! Now, I hope that it will eventually become second nature to tell the truth. Just wanting tell the truth seems like a job of the Holy Spirit! Secondly, if it depends on the situation whether it's OK for us to lie or not, how are we different from a humanist culture - how can we be a beacon.

[LoveTheLord,HeCares]

I think lying is a sin,but I do lie.I can't help it.I lie about small things without even thinking before opening my mouth 2 say anything.I don't tell big lies,just white lies.But I still think it's wrong,and I'm trying to stop.But I suppose it's ok for example if some1 asks you if they look fat in something and you lied 2 protect their feelings,but then i guess u should tell them so they pick something they'll look better in.

[bigballofyarn]

I lie sometimes, but I feel badly about it.

[keeki]

is changing your mind lying? Say someone asks you if you're going to a party, and you say yes, but then afterwards you change your mind/something happens, and you don't. Would that be lying, aka a sin? Also...if you lie, and after that you confess to God and repent, but you don't tell that person that you lied, then will God forgive you?

[spirituality]

lol anyone who said "No - Lying is a sin" is being dishonest (lying...ironic lol) b/c there is not, and I am very confident of this, one person in this thread who has never told a lie or that always believe that telling the truth is right NO MATTER WHAT... There is just NO WAY.

[WalkByFaith]

Hey,
ok so yeah I think lying i wrong because it is a sin and no I can't say that I haven't lied before to "protect" someone but it is still lying anyway you put it so its wrong.....its like that ole' does this dress make me look fat? Or How bad is it doc? Fin those situations people normally lie to either give a person hope or in fear of being smacked by their spouse/gf :-P ... it is still a sin in those contexts and therefor wrong.....
~Mike

[Hands&Feet]

If you refused to lie in order to save someone's life, your self righteousness would prove to be a greater sin than lying. In such a situation, we must trust (as always) in the finished work of Christ. To not lie at such a time would not be blind faith, it would be blind self-righteousness.

[GodBoy809]

i say that it is a sin to lie

[rebaa]

Ex 20:16
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
KJV

[spirituality]

If you refused to lie in order to save someone's life, your self righteousness would prove to be a greater sin than lying. In such a situation, we must trust (as always) in the finished work of Christ. To not lie at such a time would not be blind faith, it would be blind self-righteousness.
amen to that! :bow:

[rebaa]

If you refused to lie in order to save someone's life, your self righteousness would prove to be a greater sin than lying. In such a situation, we must trust (as always) in the finished work of Christ. To not lie at such a time would not be blind faith, it would be blind self-righteousness.
Well said Hands&feet


Isa 64:6
6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
KJV

[Kathy]

No,it is not okay to lie....BUT! sometimes there are circumstances that call for being tackful.

[Kibeth]

Thou shalt not bear false witness. Lying is a SIN!

[dbaryl]

Is lying a sin? - of course it is.

Would I tell the truth in the "Jews in the attic" scenario? - no way.

...unless I had faith that God would protect them no matter what. Knowing myself as I do, I wish I would be able to do that and know through faith that God will protect, but I know that right now I would not be able to do that. :sigh:

I wonder what Jesus would have done in that situation? Would he tell a lie to protect the innocent people, would he answer without answering the question (as in "the one of you without sin cast the first stone")? We know that Jesus is God and would be able to exercise his power, but what would He do in my place?

YES (lying is a sin), except... would probably be my best answer as well.

I'd probably try to answer without lying and without revealing the Jews' presence, but if it came to that I would lie to protect them.

[A Taffer]

I believe that its never ok to lie and that it is a sin.

Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

[Vitaly]

This is the time I could say WWJD? I/you know with out a doubt that Jesus Christ would not lie.

[GirlForChrist]

Lying can get you into alot of trouble, so why do it?

I have alot of past experiance in this...its not good

[lostangel]

I believe lying is a sin. It only gets you into trouble.

[mesue]

Lying is a sin.

[RyanJoseph]

hey guys just wonderin what should you do in a situation like this:

its during the holocaust, your sitting at this fork road and there's this jew who runs by and takes a left.

some nazi soldiers come running by and ask you which road did the guy take.

should u lie and say right, or say left while conciously knowing that the nazi fellas are gonna kill that guy.

thanks

[James Sez]

hey guys just wonderin what should you do in a situation like this:

its during the holocaust, your sitting at this fork road and there's this jew who runs by and takes a left.

some nazi soldiers come running by and ask you which road did the guy take.

should u lie and say right, or say left while conciously knowing that the nazi fellas are gonna kill that guy.

thanks
Ethics are at times ambiguous. I'd lie. I would guess form this thread that many folks would prefer to tell the truth and see the guy killed. How sad.:sorry:

[Snowy]

Its not ok to lie

[Tresora]

hey guys just wonderin what should you do in a situation like this:

its during the holocaust, your sitting at this fork road and there's this jew who runs by and takes a left.

some nazi soldiers come running by and ask you which road did the guy take.

should u lie and say right, or say left while conciously knowing that the nazi fellas are gonna kill that guy.

thanks
I would have to lie. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't.

[mesue]

hey guys just wonderin what should you do in a situation like this:

its during the holocaust, your sitting at this fork road and there's this jew who runs by and takes a left.

some nazi soldiers come running by and ask you which road did the guy take.

should u lie and say right, or say left while conciously knowing that the nazi fellas are gonna kill that guy.

thanks

Rahab lied and God spared her and her family.

[The_Saint]

Yes, it is a sin to lie to God and fellow man. However, it is not a sin to protect someone and it is not a sin to lie to protect yourself. The Word of God says, "Let all men be liers and let God be true." God believes that the Devil has never lied to Him. Can you believe it? Imagine, all the eons of time that have passed and the Devil has never told God a lie! Although, he does speak "half-truths" to God in an attempt to get people in trouble with God. Fortunately, we have Jesus Christ as our defense attorney and He will speak to God on our behalf come Judgement Day.
:prayer:

[Warandpeace]

You can stall the Nazies as long as you can .

[squee779]

hah i had a gf once ask me if i thought someone else was prettier then her. i told her the truth that i did think the other person was prettier but thats not what i saw in her and thats not why i was with her and i told her that their will always be someone more attractive no matter what but you cant base a relationship on something so shallow. and she yelled at me and hung up on me. and i regret nothing. whats more important? having a relationship based on truth and trust or just how things seem on the surface and only saying something to be nice.

[Sondog]

If a man came to the door with a gun and said he wanted to kill my wife and asked me if she was at home, even if she was, I would lie and say she wasn't. And this lie would not be a sin. God looks at the situation and the heart, and not just at the words.

[In Eivad]

Well, many think that there must be some times when one must lie. I do not disagree, as sometimes lying would greatly benefit most of the people involved. I think it's just that it's just the people who lie for their own benefit or lie to disadvantage others are the ones who god do not approve of.

[Droobie]

What about lies for example - Saying to your spouse that you're going to have a quiet dinner at home, when there's actually a surprise party organised?

[The_Saint]

If a man came to the door with a gun and said he wanted to kill my wife and asked me if she was at home, even if she was, I would lie and say she wasn't. And this lie would not be a sin. God looks at the situation and the heart, and not just at the words.
That would be lying to protect someone. That is permissible under God's Standard. Only, if God were making the question, you would have to be truthful to Him -- you never lie to God!!!!
:priest:

[Glorianna]

We should not lie- no matter what the circumstances are. We can always avoid the question, but we should NEVER lie because it is a sin.

[Theofilus]

We shouldn't lie, but we don't always have to tell the truth.

Grace is free, but it is not cheap.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[mle]

It is not okay to lie

[Niko]

Lying is a sin, but it is in human nature to lie and is a little hard to overcome because of automatic response. Just need to learn how to control my tongue.

Yours in Christ,
Nick

PS-Happy Easter! Christos Anesti!

[jeshohaia]

Lying is evil. Look what happened to the couple that lied to the holy spirit...they died.

[RocketMan]

Lying is, uh... morally unwholesome but can sometimes be the lesser of two evils.

[Staind]

I believe the only time it's a sin to lie is when you lie in order to hurt the person.

"Do you like my dress?"
"No, it makes you look fat."
In this case let's assume she looks very nice in the dress and I'm just saying she looks fat in order to hurt her.

[Roxa]

Lying is a sin...yet we all manage to lie...I am guilty of it as much as the next person to me.

[Bladecarver]

Lying is wrong. In the case of the lady in WWII, that is an entirely different case. And besides, we don't even know if she did lie. If she did, though, I think God will have forgiven her.

[caitlincares]

Lying is an absolete pet peeve of me.
I do not like it when someone lies to me.
And I do not like it if someone accuses me of it.

[rubberduckie]

hmm, that's a good thing. I dunno, I would do some fast prayers, "God help me out of this, no matter what happens, protect these people, for now, and for eternity." Speaking of which, have you read "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom, it's really good.

oh, oops that was the first page :blush: , man oh man do I feel stupid, oh well, lying's bad.

[TheMainException]

Why not answer it truthfully. If the person doesnt want to know the truth why ask? My mom asked me once if I liked her windows that she LOVED and had just put in, and I said "No, I dont". And she became enraged at me! I said"Well why did you ask if you didnt want to know? Did you expect me to lie?" She said "Yes". This kills me. I am a person that will say things very bluntly. Why lie? Whats the point? TO protect someones feelings? Wouldnt their feelings be hurt much more if they found out that you lied?
Yes, the truth hurts. I can't believe she did that. How mean of her to want you to lie.

[TheMainException]

That would be lying to protect someone. That is permissible under God's Standard. Only, if God were making the question, you would have to be truthful to Him -- you never lie to God!!!!
:priest:
How would you know if it were God though?

[PaladinGirl]

I think that it is ok in certain situations. Take what lambslove said. She said that if she hiding Jews in her house and someone asked her if she was hiding Jews, she's say, "Why would you even ask that? or "Why would I do that?". Me, on the other hand, would outright tell them no in the hopes that it would save my Jewish friends lives.

[Turkwoyz]

It's best never to lie because lieing is a sin. How ever in the place of the women in WWII the best thing to do would be to ask God what to do. After all, He did make up the rules!

[CZzyzx41]

Dishonesty of any kind for any reason is at the very least a transgression. The main reason given for lying is to avoid punishment for wrongdoing. I believe when we do something wrong we ought to feel remorse, admit it, ask forgiveness from God as well as anyone who has been harmed in our transgression. We should try to provide restitution for our wrongdoing. Then we should never repeat it. Lying has no part in it and dishonesty has no place in life anywhere. It cannot be rightly justified.

[Centrifuge04]

Yes, lying is a sin even though im guilty of doing it a lot it's true

[wakeboardwithheart]

i lie to my father all the time...so i guess i cant really speak on the matter

[Metric]

well, lying is a sin, unless your on a site and you don't want to tell peoples your age...that is the only reason for lying i can think of...

[lovespeace]

I would lie to save a life in a second. A human being is worth more than my sin. We lie for much less in everyday situations. Would I even ask forgivness for lying to save someones life? Prob not, I would instead be thankful that I had a chance to save someone from evil.

[Teacher]

That is one of the great paradoxes of the Bible. Remember: God blessed the midwives in Egypt who saved Isrealite boys...but they lied. God blessed any number of people in the Bible - even though they lied! At the same time, we are told specifically NOT to lie, and I believe lying is a sin (see the ones left out of the New Jerusalem). go figure! All I can say is, God sure does have a sense of humor.

[stillblessed]

the ten commandments says thou shall not lie. no liars will enter into the kingdom of heaven,that is the word

[Crispie]

Ask WWJD and theres your answer lol

[Crispie]

That is one of the great paradoxes of the Bible. Remember: God blessed the midwives in Egypt who saved Isrealite boys...but they lied. God blessed any number of people in the Bible - even though they lied! At the same time, we are told specifically NOT to lie, and I believe lying is a sin (see the ones left out of the New Jerusalem). go figure! All I can say is, God sure does have a sense of humor.

Remember everyone sins yet basically everyone is blessed in one way or another. :)

[DanielJamesSimon]

I remember reading "deceit is necessary in war" or something like that, somewhere in the Bible.

But I voted no, it is never okay to lie.

[Ponder]

We All Lie Some Times Dont Be Cocky And Say "ur Not Goin To Heaven Cause U Lie
Ur Wrong Lie Is Bad But Its Not Going To Stop Us In Our Tracks From Goin To Hevean

[Lionheart_03]

yeah, lying is a sin... but in some cases it can be done for a good thing...

[rhemarob]

Its hard not to tell the little white ones but yes they are a sin.

[Dark_Adonis]

Is lying a sin? Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying? What is going on in John 7:8-10? Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you?

How much do you weigh?

Do I look fat in this?

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans) I don't think that lying is always bad, for instance lying to make someone feel slightly better or give them confidence doesn't seem to be so bad, but malicious lying is quite clearly wrong.

[faith by day]

No lying is a sin...... though every one is tempted to lie......... we can always ask for forgiveness

[Touring3D]

I've done my share of lying. Even as a Christian! :(

I need to repent. This poll just convicted me.

[Mimi]

a white lie to spare someone...or help someone is okay

[97trsgl]

lying is a sin

[Mimi]

lying is a sin
Is life that simple?

[Sacrifice]

Lying is a sin. As simple as that. Sometimes its hard to tell the truth, but if you trust in God, everything will turn out fine.

[Mimi]

Lying is a sin. As simple as that. Sometimes its hard to tell the truth, but if you trust in God, everything will turn out fine.
Even if you have to lie to avoid hurting somebody in the most horrible way? Is that worth the truth?

[_Zap_]

Yes, but it depends on the situation.

[The "J"]

For those living under the law, lying is a sin.

[okiemommy26]

lying is never ok

[Macrina]

"Thou shalt not lie."

That doesn't mean it's easy not to... but still, lying is wrong.

[Nancaroo]

I don't believe that it is ever right to lie. God's Word teaches that it is sin

[Qidron]

Welll, now here's a poll that really is a hot topic to me.

LYING is as devesatating as poison in the air...you breathe believing the air is what it's supposed to be, and die because of it.

Enemy's lie and then demand you tell the truth.

When the Bible is telling us to not BEAR FALSE WITNESS...we must assume that the questioner is righteous because we are being told to be righteous. God is not refering to enemies here! When the enemy comes up against us we do what is right in God's eye....is it right to tell the emeny what he wants to hear and put innocent ppl in jeapordy?

And you don't have to tell everyone everything they want to know. That would be foolish. BE SHREWD AS SNAKES AND INNOCENT AS DOVES.

[noellejoi]

Thou shall not lie

[DeusAmante]

Is lying a sin? Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying? What is going on in John 7:8-10? Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you?

How much do you weigh?

Do I look fat in this?

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans)
Ah...the commandment "thou shalt not lie" rings a bell ;)

[Izzy23]

Lying leads to extremely complicated circumstances. As a poster said earlier, it causes distrust and that in itself is enough to not want to lie.

[OhhhChung]

Lieing is alright, but I never lie a BIG, effective lie.

[Hisbygrace]

To answer the question is lying a sin truthfully, we would have to say yes.Because God says it is a sin.
The question "What is going on in John 7:8-10" holds the suggestion that your are asking was Christ lying to His brothers.
In verse 8, Jesus tells His brothers to go on up to the feast even though He is not going because His time has not fully come. In verse 9 we are told that after telling His brothers this Jesus stayed in Galilee. Verse 10 then tells us that Jesus did go up to the feast, not publicly, but in secret.
If we look back to verses 3-5 perhaps we will gather a better understanding.
In verse 3 Jesus' brothers are chiding Him. In essence they are saying," If You are who You claim to be, then go to the feast with us so that your Disciples can see all You are doing". If we then go to verse 5, we are told not even His own brothers were believing Him. Jump back up to verse 4, they are telling, "Jesus show Yourself to the world, no one hides when He wants to be noticed." What were His brothers up too, for everyone knew that the Jews were searching for Jesus?
Jesus knew this was not the time that He had come for.
He was not lying to His brothers, when He said He wasn't going up to the feast. He wasn't going up at that time. Nor was he going with them, for they would have brought attention to Him.

Just the way I understand it, Hisbygrace

[Hisbygrace]

Though lying is a sin, none of us could say that we have never lied or make the claim that we will never lie again. We can't predict the future. But thank God alone that we can be forgiven!!!

[fragile one]

It depends on the situation.

A police officer KNOWS a suspect committed a crime, but he won't confess. The cop lies and says that someone saw the suspect at the crime scene, causing the suspect to confess to the crime. Lying in this case is acceptable in my opinion.

Of course, I know people will disagree with me, but hey, you were asking for my opinion :D

[sl_pahotogal]

Lieing is disappointing and disgusting to me. I think people only lie to cover up their true selves. It's sad.

[sl_pahotogal]

When you lie, whether it is big or small, think about why you are doing it and how it will affect not only you but the people around you and who you are lieing to. Every lie has it's consequences. Just a thought.

[k]

When you lie, whether it is big or small, think about why you are doing it and how it will affect not only you but the people around you and who you are lieing to. Every lie has it's consequences. Just a thought.
Great reminder!!!:wave: Thank you very much. Has anyone thought of how pervasive racism is in the US. Lying is a great example. How many have heard the phrase "It's okay to tell a little WHITE lie." Yet, if it is a serious lie it is not acceptable, and it does not need to be stated as a "black lie" for it is understood. However, if you embarras your family bad enough, you are labeled the "black" sheep of the family...

Peace

[GodFlute2]

NEVER is it ok to lie.

[BubblesRelena]

If you're tricky enough with your words you can get around "sticky situations" like "do I look fat in this?" without lieing. You just have to be very good at wordplay.

~BubblesRelena

[allsweetncool]

The only time i would ever lie is to save someones life. Other than that it is inexcusable. The bible repeatedly states that over and over.

Anyhow i've been up all night and need some rest.

Love
Daniel

[ClaireZ]

Lying is wrong. It should be avoided even in social situations.

[Gods_MyHope]

A Lie is a Lie.

[xxRachaelxx]

i think it totally depends on the question

[Steve_SandbachBaptist_UK]

I suppose a white lie could be deemed acceptable...or could it? :scratch: for example if u get asked if you like a present.

Steve

[anna9559]

i think lying is a sin...in any situation!! It says so directly in the Bible! you're not fooling anyone...but yourself when you sin, that's my opinion!

[SparkleDazzle]

Lying is an abomination, it doesn't matter whatever the case.

Is lying a sin? Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying? What is going on in John 7:8-10? Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you?

How much do you weigh?

Do I look fat in this?

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans)

[Saruman]

Lying is wrong. I can't believe some Christians think its ok!

[brokenbyHislove]

What a hard question! I know the bible clearly says it is wrong, but thinking about this makes me realise how often I lie on a daily basis!

What if someone asks, "How are you today?" And you say, "Fine." Maybe you're not feeling fine. Maybe you don't wanna talk about your crappy day. But was it a lie?

So hard!!! :mad:

[lovespeace]

Do you think it matters if we mean it as a sin. We do it because it benefits us in some way. That is a true lie IMHO.

[lost_and_found]

I think that it is usually wrong, but in some extreme situations, it's OK. For example, during WW2 if an agent of the Gestapo walks in to someone's house who's hiding Jew's somewhere and asked, "Are theyre any Jews in here?", wouldn't the right thing to do be to say, "no."?

[Iron Sun 254]

No, I don't think a lie is always a sin. There are circumstances where hiding the truth is the best action to take.

[Ann Doupont]

Yes, lying is always a sin. Should we always tell everything all the time? No. For example, if someone asks a person their age, they could say "it's none of your business," cuz it's not. That's not lying. That's just not telling.

When we purpose in our hearts to not lie, God will give us creative ways to speak the truth (in love). Jesus is ... the truth. Did He ever lie, for any reason? No. Aren't we to be like Jesus?

Ann

[lost_and_found]

Yes, lying is always a sin. Should we always tell everything all the time? No. For example, if someone asks a person their age, they could say "it's none of your business," cuz it's not. That's not lying. That's just not telling.

When we purpose in our hearts to not lie, God will give us creative ways to speak the truth (in love). Jesus is ... the truth. Did He ever lie, for any reason? No. Aren't we to be like Jesus?

Ann

Sorry... but I don't think that works in every situation... some are much too serious for someone to accept an abtract answer like that when they ask you a direct question.

[sweetlambofgod]

no its not ok

[lovespeace]

I think God gave us our brains to think and reason. What would God have us do, allow a fellow human being to go to their deaths by the hands of evil men, or to do our best to stop it, even it meant lying. I know which one I would rather defend on Judgement day.

[jbgordon]

Lying is definately a sin, and by no means am I free from it, but I try my best to honest even if its not the most encouraging thing for someone to hear. The truth is always best.

[sjpianoprincess]

I'm not sure about that, but you really shouldn't lie, it just complicates things and causes distrust.

[feo]

It is wrong to lie.
If one of my female friends looks goofy wearing something I'll be honest about it. "Maybe you shouldnt wear that" etc etc. "Perhaps you need to exercise a bit more".

But I do lie sometimes. If I don't remember exactly when something is, or how it exactly worked... I'll make up something. Or try to 'guess' how it happened. When instead, I should just be honest and say "i dont exactly remember".

[die2live]

Excluding surprise parties, lying is a sin. It's wrong, God's Word says it, we have to believe it.

[Raheelah]

although i believe it is not good to lie i voted for yes but depends on the situation eg a child goes into a internet chatroom and another chatter asks them personal details and the child says they live in say London but are in Liverpool, i would say that is a ok lie in order to protect themselves from people they do not know - strangers :) ;) :D :cool: :P :wave: :thumbsup: :amen: :clap: :hug: :preach: :prayer: :groupray: :bow: :angel:

[Zoomer]

Even if you lie for a good reason/with good intentions, you still need to ask for forgiveness.

[~RENEE~]

Revelation says that all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. Think about it ALL.

[~RENEE~]

[QUOTE=BloodofJesus]although i believe it is not good to lie i voted for yes but depends on the situation eg a child goes into a internet chatroom and another chatter asks them personal details and the child says they live in say London but are in Liverpool, i would say that is a ok lie in order to protect themselves from people they do not know - strangers {QUOTE]

Just don't say anything

[ChrisWins]

although i believe it is not good to lie i voted for yes but depends on the situation eg a child goes into a internet chatroom and another chatter asks them personal details and the child says they live in say London but are in Liverpool, i would say that is a ok lie in order to protect themselves from people they do not know - strangers :) ;) :D :cool: :P etc!!!

Hey, can you add more smilies next time?

Seriously, though...

there are instances where I personally believe God will forgive without you even having to ask for it.

A man has your family hostage and he will rape and kill all of them and the only way to get the problem resolved is by you telling a lie.

A police officer goes into a chatroom to try to catch severely messed up people praying on kids.

Things like those've gotta have automatic forgiveness though it surely would be a wise idea to ask for forgiveness anyway!

[rachewil15]

Lying is totally a sin, and it says it in the bible. Although people have their own opinions, I don't think it should be debated if God told us through His Word that it's a sin.

[jesusfreak22]

It is very bad

[Tanyalita]

I think lying is a sin, but sometimes it seems unavoidable. I always ask God for forgiveness for doing it.

[*Starlight*]

Lying is a sin only when it's intended to hurt someone. At least that's what I think...

[Loopi]

Lying is deception, and deception hurts god, so even a lie for a good reason, eg one where the deception could save lives, needs to have forgiveness sought from God. God knows your motive for the lie, as he can see your heart, and a heart that seeks forgiveness of sin is a heart that pleases god

[pinkberry]

I'm not sure. I think lying is a sin, but in some circumstances I think little white lies are ok if they are asked for forgivness.

[meebs]

i would say that for the MOST part lying is bad and people shouldnt do it, but i think there are certain cases where its needed, but needs to be avoided as much as possible.

:)

[GlowingFirefly]

I voted that lying is a sin before, but now I want to change it to that it depends on the situation.

If someone asked me "How do I look in this?" Lets say this person was wearing a hat they made and it really looks bad.

This person put everything they had into making this hat, therefore, I wouldn't flat out tell them "Ugh! That's looks awful on you!" That would be rude and would hurt them. Sometimes white lies can be okay.

Now if a friend came up to me and asked me a question and told me to be honest with her with my answer, I would surely do that, and would do my best to answer the question fairly, and honestly without hurting her.

[ConstanceB]

Here is Jimigold's scenario:

In the great world war a christian woman was hiding Jews from the Nazi's in her house, many people had been killed for doing that and she helped hundreds of Jews escape the hands of Hitler. Now i think that we would all agree that that was the right thing (and a very brave thing) to do. She would have to lie countless times to Soldiers coming around to her house doing searches for these Jews.

I believe that woman was Corrie Ten Boom (from her book The Hiding Place). An older woman, unmarried and living with her sister and father, she had to relearn to lie. Her family would burst into her room in the middle of the night shouting, "Where are the Jews?" When Corrie asked about the morality of lying, her father referenced the Proverb where we are told to rescue those who are being led to slaughter. When they were discovered (and I'm paraphrasing from memory), a Nazi asked him just to stop, promising that they could live in peace and not be sent off to die. Corrie's father responded that he would continue to help Jews as long as they needed help, and he would count it a privilege to die helping one of God's "chosen" people.

What would I do? I've wondered, and I continue to pray that I will never have to face that decision -- not because I'm so noble, but because I'm so weak. :( cb

[ConstanceB]

:wave: When my daughter was about eight, my three children stayed in a Christian woman's home while I worked. The woman told me that some of the children were arguing and tattling, and she told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." My daughter answered, "My mommie says that," and after a moment, continued, ". . . and sometimes we don't talk for days."

AND

My son was one of the top students for his grade in Language Arts. Consequently, he was frequently told he need not submit a second draft because his work was already worth an "A". I disapproved, citing that the teacher was cheating him out of improving. I then would edit and make recommendations and expect him to complete a second draft. Finally, he suggested what he called a compromise (apropos to the topic of little white lies). "I'll show you my paper; you look at it; you say 'Hey, that's great!' and then you don't say anything else." :sorry:

AND

When asked a none-of-your-business question, I often revealed more than I wanted. A mentor told me that I should prep myself: each time, make eye contact, smile, and say, "Why do you ask?" He suggested that an unthoughtful person would realize they had crossed the line, a mean-spirited busy-body would find the attention deflected from you to them. :sorry:

AND

My husband and I enjoy the basic non sequitor. If someone puts one of us on the spot, we've gone through the "Why do you ask?" sequence, and the question still hangs in the air, we smile, look empty-headed and respond, "Well, se-ee-ee?" as though the answer was obvious. Then we walk away. :D

[lummoxcooties]

Lying is sinful. Any lie is a lie.

The situations like the "Hiding Place," and protecting lives in the Bible are not lies, but are guardings for safety of others.

I disagree that white lies are ok. If someone asks if they look fat in a dress, and they do, then you don't need to say that they look thin. Instead of flat out saying YES, you can say "Not to be mean, but I don't like that dress on you. You would look beautiful in something else." It may be harsh, but being honest will earn other's trust.

something to ponder...

If lying is a sin, then what about telling kids that Santa is real. Is this deceiving children? I was raised knowing my parents bought the gifts and loved my parents for it.

[Imagine_your_dreams]

Lies are dangerous, even small ones. They can escalate into something out of control. It is typical of sin. Inside you want to believe that it will be ok as long as no one finds out, but God knows people!

Proverbs 14:5 "A faithful witness does not lie"

[Lycana]

Lying is sinful but remember, God looks at our MOTIVES for doing things, not just the actions we do. So in the case of the woman hiding Jews from the Nazi's her motive was one of love.

[L.A.W.]

It eats me up when I lie. Lying is deceiving. What good does it do, but make you the devil yourself. It's a bad to lie, it's worst to have it as a habit. Lying a sin...I wouldn't be surprised because it's not good, right! So don't lie. That divides and spreads hate. The truth is hard to swallow, but no less it's the truth, which sets you free.

[L.A.W.]

It eats me up when I lie. Lying is deceiving. What good does it do, but make you the devil yourself. It's bad to lie, it's worst to have it as a habit. Lying a sin...I wouldn't be surprised because it's not good, right! So don't lie. That divides and spreads hate. The truth is hard to swallow, but no less it's the truth, which sets you free.

[AvgJoe]

I answered no-lying is a sin, but jimigold has a good point with that story about the Jews and Nazis. I still say its a sin, but, just as there are different degrees of sin, perhaps there are different degrees of lying. Which, if I rightly understand God's judgement, that may be correct, because God does not judge the act, He judges the intention of the heart.

[Jatopian]

It is alright when more wrong would be done as a result of not lying. I put Yes/depends.
Some Nazis might kill you outright for wisecracking if you ask a question in response.

[tqpix]

Is lying a sin?Yes.

Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying?Lying is okay in some cases to protect the good and just. Lie if it can save an innocent person.

What is going on in John 7:8-10?Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.Jesus didn't say that he wasn't going to the feast; he said was not going to the feast just yet.

My answers are in the quote box in bold:

Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you? Yes.

How much do you weigh? Yes.

Do I look fat in this? Maybe not.

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans) Yes.

[Bemiah_Angel]

I do lie sumtyms every1 does, tho it is a sin

[Buccaneer]

espionage is not a lie...

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

[runner_for_jc]

It is never ok to lie but lying is something that everyone does. The only person who does not lie is the Lord Jesus Christ!
Jordan Gibson*24

[Bledsoe2]

A lie is bad and it is a sin but everybody does it and they really can't help it.

Bledsoe2
Please Reply

[Bledsoe2]

It is never ok to lie but lying is something that everyone does. The only person who does not lie is the Lord Jesus Christ!
Jordan Gibson*24

I do agree!
Bledsoe2

[eaglex]

In extreme case like the Nazi horror or Communist enslavement I would say it was not a sin to save someones life.

[mycatspice]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that lying is a sin, but I don't really know cuz I've never done it. ^_^

[cowgirl chic]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that lying is a sin, but I don't really know cuz I've never done it. ^_^

yeah right!!!!!

[ani]

I think that white lies to protect someone's feelings are OK. Like if your friend is really excited about ugly shoes and asks if you like them, you would say yes and be lying. But I think that other than those situations lying is wrong.

[Tirocupidus]

It shouldn't be a question of whether lying is right or wrong. Rather, it should be about what the good thing to do is. Everyone who said that lying is wrong in every case thinks that woman protecting Jews from the Nazis was against God. The only other option was to give the Jews up, effectively murdering them. On second thought, the god in the Bible does love killing people...

[If Not For Grace]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1/1_4_32.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm11798US) If a criminal comes in and puts a gun http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_2_111v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm11798US) to my head and asks me where my 5 year old son is, and I say he's not here, when I know he's under the bed-That is a lie that is not a sin in my book. ANY COMMENTS?

[Illuminite]

theres ways around telling the whole truth though.its not cut and dried..lying flat out to save yourself as in lying to parents about where ya been,with whom,etc i know inside is a sin. if someone asks you something like what ya stated and you answer them with what your saying is a lie..then God will judge that as sin or not.Being careful here,the truth at times hurts people...theres way to go around being a flat yes/no answer right???

[twyrch]

Is lying a sin? Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying? What is going on in John 7:8-10? Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you?

How much do you weigh?

Do I look fat in this?

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans)

I think we have to determine what "lying" is, first of all. Is it simply bearing false witness against your neighbor? What about a lie of ommission? If you tell someone the truth, but don't reveal everything you know, is that wrong?

If you know the truth will hurt a person terribly, do you attempt to be honest but tactful or give a little white lie to make them feel better.

For instance, if someone shows you their new baby and ask, "Isn't he/she cute?" and the child is uglier than sin, what are you suppose to do? Tell the person you think the dog wouldn't play with it unless you hang a T-Bone around its neck? Or do you say, "Yes, you have a very cute baby. You must be so proud."

I say that lying is alright, in certain instances but you should let your conscience be your guide.

[maylu_roll]

Lying is a sin, its in the commandments

[OhhhChung]

My intention is not to lie during any situation, but if some non-Christian pointed a gun to my head and told me if I was Christian or not...

[Richard]

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans)

haha, very nice Droobie

I believe that you shouldn't lie, since it is a sin.

So I voted no.

[Richard]

My intention is not to lie during any situation, but if some non-Christian pointed a gun to my head and told me if I was Christian or not...

I don't know what I would say. I'd hope i'd have the guts to die for Christ :)

[kw5kw]

Thanks to Droobie for starting this thread!
I wanted this thread, but could not start one because of my permissions, boy, did it take off!

I wanted this thread to see how this forum thought about lying, It's obvious that it is a sin!

Here are two posts that I posted on another forum about lying, I hope you find them helpful:

Russ

The original queston there was:

Is anything false that a person says a lie?
Does the truth require full disclosure, even if no good purpose is served?
For example:
1) Moses asked Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go 3 days into the wilderness to sacrifice implying they would return, but that was not the plan. (Ex. 5 NRSV: "The God of the Hebrews has revealed himself to us; let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord our God, or he will fall upon us with pestilence or sword." )
2) A soldier in Iraq is captured and tortured and questioned. To save the lives of his friends, he continues to say, "I don't know that unit's head count and location and movement plans" even though he does.
3) A wife asks her husband, "Does this dress make me look fat?"
And is it a sin to tell any lie (including, "No, it doesn't make you look fat. You make that dress look great," or only a sin to bear false witness.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

There will be those who say that ANY lie, ANY lie at all is a sin --- NO MATTER WHAT! After all, God hates a liar.

There will be those who say that a little 'white' lie doesn't hurt, like the; "Does this dress make me look fat?" question.

If one (lie) is ok, then is the next one ok?

Where is it determined exactly at what level does a 'white' lie become gray, then to black?

If you speak the truth and say; "Yes, that dress does make you look fat." What are the consequences?

Lets examine some Biblical principals:

What about Rehab? Did she lie? Was that lie in God's overall plan for the Hebrews? She did lie to the men of the king of Jericho protect the spies that Joshua had sent out. (And we all know that God hates a false witness.) However… We find that in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 v. 31 Rehab is commended for her faith in having aiding the spies.

What’s going on here, is this a contradiction? Oh, no, it’s an exception! Why?

Because, in time of war, hiding information from the enemy, could be taken as one who sacrifices himself for the good of the rest. The sacrifice could be physical, like the soldier who throws himself on a live grenade, so that others may live. His sacrifice, however, could be a spiritual one... in the form of a lie... so that others, not only in his unit, or division, may live but possibly the entire success of the war could hinge on just one man's truth or lie. This was the case of Rehab.

All in all, will telling your wife she's fat, or looks fat, or she's got grey hair, or has wrinkles on her face/skin, or that she's not a good cook, or ... well you get the picture, will that hurt?

Will there be continued peace in the family unit or will there be a fight? Will you be like a "Maytag" and agitate the situation? Remember God hates a person who creates ill will, or in other words, "a man who stirs up dissension." Will there be love and harmony between partners or divorce? After all; "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel."

Hmmmmm…. No matter what I do, I will sin! Either I lie, or I create dissent, and therefore create divorce. What do I do? It’s a “Catch-22”, no matter what I do I’m wrong.

I ask you: Do you love your wife/husband enough to sacrifice yourself for them? Do you love them enought that you would be willing to give up your life for them? Would you do that so that they might be happy or live? Would you step into a street to protect them from a speeding car? If you would, then... Would you risk your spiritual self for them as well to keep them not only save but happy as well?

Most would say; "Yes." I sure hope and pray that you would say "Yes" as well!

It's the ones that would say; "No. that I would personally worry about! For they are so 'self-centered', haughty, proud for themselves, that they don't care about even their own spouse. That is not the Christian way. And God hates a haughty person.

=========================

Jesus did wipe all of our sins away when He died on the cross. He knew each and every sin that I was going to commit, from my birth to my death. He wiped each and everyone them all clean with His precious blood! I praise Him daily for that! Do you?

He knew each time that I'll tell my wife ... "NO, Honey, that dress looks fine, it doesn't make you look fat." ... And, He's forgiven me for each one that I've ever said, or ever will, because He understands. He understands because He came to earth and lived as a man. He knows the why and how we do the things that we do. He was tempted in everyway. Believe me, He understands!
Jesus died on the cross not only for my sins, but for all of your sins as well!
He died on the cross for everyone's sins, everyone who had ever lived, was living at that time, and for everyone else who was to be born until that final day, the day that He returns! God, indeed does know who the last person to be born will be, and when! That's what He meant when He said; "It is finished" and gave up His Spirit. He was busy forgiving all of the sins for all of mankind! When it was finished, when all of the sins that ever will be sinned, when they were all forgiven, then He knew it was finished, His job was done, and that's when he gave up the life in His earthly body. He performed the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live with Him and have everlasting, eternal life.

If you are indeed a true Christian. One that has put your faith out there for all to see then I wouldn't worry about that little white lie, for...

Whoa, what did I just say?

Did I say it's ok to lie? No, God forbid, for it is a sin and God hates a liar.
I'm going to say; that it is, however, forgivable, the Bible does teach us that is the case, or else the story about Rehab would have been left out. God inspired Moses to tell us that, because God wanted you to know that there are times that, while not acceptable to Him, (because God does indeed consider a lie a sin) there are times that when lying becomes necessary. Necessary to keep the peace. Necessary to save lives. I tell you that, whoever is willing to sacrifice themselves (by lying for the safety of the family, friends or strangers), then that's the man who's going to be not only forgiven but he'll be blessed as well.

I personally feel that It is better to AVOID the conflict between husband and wife over the "Does this make me look _______________ (fill in the blank)?" argument, then it is to start a war that could lead to divorce because of "insensitivity" or "irreconcilable differences." because God hates divorce! Jesus taught us on the sermon on the mount; "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

We know that being a false witness is one of the things that God hates! False witness is lying to someone else about somebody else. Like who's at fault in a traffic accident, who did or did not do work at the office, down to who stole a paper clip, up to who killed somebody.

Lying to someone is one thing, lying to keep peace is another thing entirely. Just as lying to the enemy (for the soldier) is for the good of the many, lying to someone to save face, to avoid the consequences of not doing your job for instance, that is definitely a no-no.

Sorry, got on the sermon track. It happens from time to time.
Russ

Along with this post:


It's more than that... it's little 10 year old Mikey, who ate all the cookies. He then tells Mom that his baby sister (age 3) ate all of the cookies. That's a false witness...

Right, I agree.

But telling a cop you were doing 55 instead of 75 when he pulls you over is a lie, not bearing false witness.

Most definately, because you didn't involve an innocent third (or more) party(s). You and the traffic policeman, it's a one on one situation. And you know that you were not doing 55. It is a blatent out and out lie.

Back to my litte Mikey...

Children do this without learning it from anyone else, it's inherent. Some might even say it is a form of self-preservation, to keep one's self from harm.

Don't make it right, tho...

It's still a lie... and God hates a liar.

But like my previous post (and xxxxxx's) we do take the position, that there are rules, and there are exceptions. and there are rules to those exceptions,

way too numerous to examine here but they do exist.

We are human, we cannot escape that fact.

We all sin, all human's do.

We will be forgiven the moment we accept Jesus as our saviour.

We will still sin, we're human.

It's just that we're more aware of the fact of what sin is...

"... For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet."... "

Once we're aware of what sin is, then we are much more sensitive to our commision of it.

For instance: if there was no speed limit then you can't be speeding. But there is. Here in Texas the speed limit is 70. You do 71 in the county I grew up in, you get pulled over and get a ticket.

If Jesus hadn't said: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Before this adultery was a married woman who cheated on her husband. A man could not commit the sin of adultery, for he could have as many wives as he could afford, only women could commit the sin of adultery. Jesus, by saying this in this way, made the sin of adultery onto not only women, but men as well. This was unheard of in those times as it now limited men to one wife, and to be faithful to that one wife. This was against all common practices of the day. This was big. It still is! For if Jesus hadn't said this then we would have no sin looking at a woman in a skimpy swimsuit. However, woman in a skimpy swim suit makes me lust. Jesus having said that makes it a law, and therefore a sin.

A sin I have been forgiven for, but still it's a sin. The difference is, now I realize that it is a sin, before I didn't either care, or did not realize that looking at a busty blonde in a skimpy swimsuit selling beer on tv could or would make me commit a sin. Or, that (enter favorite sports team here) Cheerleader that they show comming back off of that beer commercial... you know the one who's bouncing up and down... Well my eyes bounce a lot these days, but not watching her jump up and down, they bounce to the floor... to the wall... to the celing.... anywhere else but on the object in question. It's become quite the habit, see something like that, and look away... takes some training, but it works, and now it's almost an automatic reflex motion.

A Christan will still sin, for there is not one of us who is perfect, not one. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: "

It's just as a Christian I realize my sins, and repent and try to do the best I can to not sin any more. I work on it.... and I fail. That does not make me any worse than anyone else, Nay! I just realize it, and try to correct that problem, and repent... acknowledge my sin to God... and move on, forgetting it, just as God has, and try to do better the next minute... which will lead to an hour... which will lead to a day??? Has there been a day without sin for me?

Understanding the Word of God, there is not one who can not stand alone, Nay... not one!

If you say you don't lie, you're a liar... and God hates a liar.

For you see: It's not the sin that God hates, it is the non-repentance!!!

God hates seeing people go through their lives, sinning away and never repenting of them. God loves all of us, and all we have to do is to confess our sins, accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. He'll wash away all of our sins with his precious blood and our names will be written in the "Lamb's Book of Life." We will be saved, have eternal life in heaven with our Lord. The alternative, is: "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Anything I've learned in my life is; " Never say Never." for as sure as you say something like: "I'll NEVER live in that town." For some reason you'll move there. Or; "I'll NEVER have an affair." The devil will send somebody to seduce you, and he'll succeed. For we are human, and the devil knows our weaknesses. He knows how to attack us ... to get us to eat that 'forbidden fruit'. To draw us away from God.

Therefore we need to always Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

If he succeeds in drawing us away from God, then the devil has won.
Don't let the devil win, stay close to God, that's why we go to church, to stay close to God. We need each other, we're a help group, a support group.
There I went again,
Russ

[MeekOne]

Russ is correct here, we will all lie at some point in our saved lives, but that does not mean that God will turn against us. If the lie or white lie or fib, whatever you want to call it will hurt someone's feelings, that would go against the second commandment that Christ gave us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Our neighbor is also our loved ones whether it be a wife, husband, child, aunt, whoever. If we hurt their feelings, then we would not be loving them as we would love ourselves, and that is the most important commandment. Praise the Lord that He has given us the grace to be human.

Romans 8:1-2
[There is] then now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and of death.

[ScarletWitch]

it depends on the situation. do i look fat in this, well you'll say no, or even if some one is sick and they're getting sicker and they want to know if they'll get better you'll of course say they will get better.

[Maja]

We should always "speak the truth in love." Never hurtful, arrogant, or with malice.:thumbsup:

[jul7246]

Sometimes it's hard,but i'm usually quite blunt =) in Russia we have a saying that goes: "The bitter truth is better than a sweet lie"

[xray01]

lying is a sin, and should be avoided at all costs

[VeronicasImage]

There's no good end to telling a lie or being a liar.Being a parent,I've heard some whoppers but then I was a teen at one time myself. We grow from this.You lie,you get caught.As one ages so does your maturity and your ability to not stoop to lying.Sin? God will lecture us,sure it's a sin but He has ions of forgiveness for us.When it is a habitual thing,a liar hurting many others-the load gets heavier.

[sweetytweety16]

no-lying is a sin

[sammipher]

A lie is a sin...a sin is a sin..there are no big or small sins...but, I think lying is something we are all guilty of..I know I have done it...and sometimes do it without thinking..like in previous posts..when someone asks what do I look like in something..obviously I don't want to be mean..so sometimes I do it without thinking...am I sinning..yes I am....something I am trying to get better at..to word things so I am not lying..but being tact at the same time.

[AnDr3000]

i agree that lying is definately a sin. but in my instances i tend to find ways around certain questions. like the statement i'd say is truthful, so it doesnt classify as a lie. yet it's not exactly the direct answer to the question. i kno that's kind of misleading, but what if that's my only way out. is that wrong?

[Stacey]

Sin, sin, sin! ;)

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Lying itself is not sin. Rahab deceived the military guards in Jericho who were looking for the Hebrew spies and was commened for it and adopted into the family of God as well as being listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews, and get this, she was a harlot too, and a direct descendant of Christ.[P]Lets say that in WW2, you were hiding Jewish babies from the Nazis. If the Nazis came knocking on your door, asking you if you had Jewish babies in your home, would it be righteous to tell them the truth?

[MeekOne]

Lying itself is not sin. Rahab deceived the military guards in Jericho who were looking for the Hebrew spies and was commened for it and adopted into the family of God as well as being listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews, and get this, she was a harlot too, and a direct descendant of Christ. Lets say that in WW2, you were hiding Jewish babies from the Nazis. If the Nazis came knocking on your door, asking you if you had Jewish babies in your home, would it be righteous to tell them the truth?Very good point! :)

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Very good point! :)

Thank you. Just telling the truth. :-)

[MeekOne]

Thank you. Just telling the truth. :-)I can definitely see that! Thank you! :)

[kw5kw]

Lying itself is not sin. Rahab deceived the military guards in Jericho who were looking for the Hebrew spies and was commened for it and adopted into the family of God as well as being listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews, and get this, she was a harlot too, and a direct descendant of Christ. Lets say that in WW2, you were hiding Jewish babies from the Nazis. If the Nazis came knocking on your door, asking you if you had Jewish babies in your home, would it be righteous to tell them the truth?

These are my thoughts exactly!

[MeekOne]

These are my thoughts exactly!That saying is so true....great minds think alike! :pink:

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I can definitely see that! Thank you! :)

My pleasure. When we are to be honest in telling the truth, then that is what God requires. God does not always require that the truth be told however, as in the examples given. Many more can be cited, but those two should be sufficient.

God established a principle in this area, called, "the greater good" principle. That is what we are to follow.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

These are my thoughts exactly!

Unfortunately, the confusion in questions like the one raised in this poll stems from a lack of sound Biblical teaching in our churches in favor of fluffy, feel good religion. Give me substance over subjective feel goodism anyday.

[kw5kw]

Unfortunately, the confusion in questions like the one raised in this poll stems from a lack of sound Biblical teaching in our churches in favor of fluffy, feel good religion. Give me substance over subjective feel goodism anyday.
go back just one page and read the first post on page 19... mine

[MeekOne]

My pleasure. When we are to be honest in telling the truth, then that is what God requires. God does not always require that the truth be told however, as in the examples given. Many more can be cited, but those two should be sufficient.

God established a principle in this area, called, "the greater good" principle. That is what we are to follow.I agree. As for myself, I try my hardest to be as honest as possible, but would never want to hurt someone in the process. If we follow Jesus, our lives will be as whole as possible. There would be little if any need to lie. There is always that possibility that we may have to in order to keep someone from getting injured, damaged, killed or deeply hurt. I do not agree that it is okay to do something behind someone's back, especially something that one would know the Lord wouldn't approve of, and then lying about it just to save face. There is a major difference. Just so we are clear, I am not saying lying is a good thing. Definitely only used if necessary to uphold the greater good. :)

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I agree....Definitely only used if necessary to uphold the greater good. :)

There it is.

[~Wisdom Seeker~]

Everyone lies. It's human nature. If it wasn't, how would little tiny children know how to do it? The answer quite frankly is that it isn't a learned behavior. It's how human beings are designed. Or maybe you could call it a design flaw....But then, that would assert that God didn't know that when He forbade the eating of the fruit of knowledge, (whereby sin and death entered into the world,) that Adam and Eve would eat of it. And if God is omnipotent, and if time has no bearing on spiritual beings like God, of course He would have to have known.

The verse in Revelations 21:8? Might as well say "all humans". Because every single person living, has done something in at least one of the catagories listed in this verse.

The Bible says lying is a sin. And that lying will make anyone who does it have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. And yet, it also exhonorates people who protected God's people from harm by lying. And people like David who lied and yet were beloved of God.

Does the Bible contradict itself? Or, are there simply esceptions or conditions in which lying is not a sin?

I don't know. I just try to live honorably and honestly. And not try to live in black and white...because there really is no such thing in life. Life is lived in the gray and every other hue of color available. We're expected to think. Maybe if our kind didn't eat of the tree of knowledge we wouldn't be expected to. But...we did. So...that is our lot. There are no easy answers. You have to just search your own conscience for the moral answers to questions like these. Because if God didn't want us to think, have a soul conscienciousness...we wouldn't.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

There are cases, as I've cited, where it would be a sin to tell the truth. In the case of the Jewish babies being hidden from the Nazis, to tell the truth would be to take a part in the murder of those babies. Only God has the right to take life, or to delegate that authority as He pleases, as in the case of death for capital crimes. For Rahab to have betrayed the Hebrew spies would have been sin, since sin is at it's essence, anything that is contrary to the Will of God, and it was clearly the Will of God that those spies be sent into Jericho and to Rahab.

Also, for those who think that handguns are evil, I will submit to you, that it is not the handgun that is evil, but the hand that holds it.<p>If one has the ability to defend another who is defenseless, and has a handgun with which to do so, and fails to use it, they are in sin.

For example. Lets say I am walking down the sidewalk, round about dusk, with my 357 in my pocket.

On the other side of the street is a 12YO girl walking down the sidewalk.

I notice two large bad guys in the bushes in front of her waiting to pounce.

If I do not use my gun to defend her, I am in sin.

[kw5kw]

There are cases, as I've cited, where it would be a sin to tell the truth. In the case of the Jewish babies being hidden from the Nazis, to tell the truth would be to take a part in the murder of those babies. Only God has the right to take life, or to delegate that authority as He pleases, as in the case of death for capital crimes. For Rahab to have betrayed the Hebrew spies would have been sin, since sin is at it's essence, anything that is contrary to the Will of God, and it was clearly the Will of God that those spies be sent into Jericho and to Rahab.

Also, for those who think that handguns are evil, I will submit to you, that it is not the handgun that is evil, but the hand that holds it.<p>If one has the ability to defend another who is defenseless, and has a handgun with which to do so, and fails to use it, they are in sin.

For example. Lets say I am walking down the sidewalk, round about dusk, with my 357 in my pocket.

On the other side of the street is a 12YO girl walking down the sidewalk.

I notice two large bad guys in the bushes in front of her waiting to pounce.

If I do not use my gun to defend her, I am in sin.

As a proud holder of a CHL here in Texas, I applaud you. :clap:

:prayer: thank you LORD, for someone who speaks the truth!

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

As a proud holder of a CHL here in Texas, I applaud you. :clap:

:prayer: thank you LORD, for someone who speaks the truth!

God has commanded that we defend the defenseless, with whatever means is neccessary. There is a great misconception among church goers today, that God is somehow against weapons. That comes from an ignorance of God'sord in the Old Testament, and the New, where when Jesus was sending out the disciples the second time, He told them to sell their cloaks if need be to buy a sword if they did not have one. Now why would Jesus tell them that? Because Jesus knew that He was sending them out as "sheep among wolves", and there would be all kinds of people and critters who would want to kill them. God gives humans the right to self defense and the defense of others, with whatever means is neccessary.

[MeekOne]

I'm applauding too! :clap:

[AngryNotice]

Is lying a sin? Is it okay in some cases? Does it depend on your intentions? Can you deceive someone in a 'good' way? How far can you stretch the truth, or is that also lying? What is going on in John 7:8-10? Would you answer the following questions truthfully?

How old are you?

How much do you weigh?

Do I look fat in this?

Have you ever watched Melrose Place? (For Seinfeld fans)

if its a little lie, I dont see a problem. But if its a huge life altering lie to cover some horrible truth.then yes

[artaxbombadil]

Lying is a sin. I used to lie to protect myself from criticism.

In the example about hiding the Jews, one possibility would be: When the Jews would come to her house she could tell them something like "Sorry, I cannot help you, and I'm calling the Nazis -- just kidding! sorry! come in!" and then when the soldiers come by looking for certain or any Jews, she can tell them "Yes, they came here and I told them I was going to call the soldiers, and you can imagine how they would then run far away from here after hearing that!"

Would that be true?

[Brooke4Jesus]

lying would be a sin... the 9th commandment there

[PastorJason]

I'm always lying - unless, of course, I'm telling the truth.

[AlaskanAngels]

Lying is a sin, However I do feel there are times as humans we feel we need to lie, depending on the situation.
Exampel: I was put in a position once where I lied to a childs parent, That the child was not in my home. This was an abused child that did not need to return home at that time with that person.


Lying is a hard subject do to the fact that I try to teach my children not to lie,

[cuteandheavenly]

I get frustrated with people that lie. I dont understand lying. Because when you lie and someone finds out then you have to tell another lie to cover that one up. I am a very open person and I upset people sometimes because I am so brutally honest. But why not be honest with someone. Because if you lie and the person you lied to founds out later that you lied to them...then its going to hurt 10 times worse than if would if you would have just told them the truth to start with.

[Unique]

I believe that lying is wrong. Period. I do have a hangup though. The Hewbrew midwifes lied to Pharoah (in Exodus) and God didn't punish them, in fact, He rewarded them. Does this story mean lying is right? Like I said, I don't know. But I try not to lie and leave the rest up to God.

[kleptobismol]

it depends on the situation really

[PorcelainHeart]

I can't stand lying no matter the reason, I really hate it when people lie so they don't have to talk to me. When someone lies to me that really hurts my feelings.

[PorcelainHeart]

sorry for the double post my computer is messing up, I had to edit it. I don't know why lying is good, It hurts people.

[Firecube2426]

sorry for the double post my computer is messing up, I had to edit it. I don't know why lying is good, It hurts people.

Actually sometimes lying is necessary to help and protect people. Military recruiters are the biggest job that lies. They need to lie in order to get people to join and get them to defend the country.

Another situation would be like

Bad guy has planted a nuke in the school with 2,000 students.

Bad guy says to you "Do you believe in god. If you do I will detonate this nuke"

What would you say?

Somewhere in the Bible says that we should be there to help others and love them just as much as we love God (protect them).

I'm not saying that lying is ok but sometimes it's necessary to help people.

[Lake]

I just lied today to my gf so she wouldn't find her birthday gift.So brand me a liar.

[kerux]

One word: Yes

[Witness Of His Love]

One of God's angels volunteered to go be "a lying spirit".

Online I don't always answer the how old are you truthfully as I don't wish people to know my age.

I don't own a scale so don't know my weight but if I did I wouldn't lie about it.

Telling a person the truth can be done gently. If they want to know if they look fat in something my answer would depend on how well I know the person and whether or not they really wanted to have a truthful answer.

Never watched Melrose Place. I don't even know what it is.

I said yes

[godisgr8]

yes but it depends on the situation.

[Kalibeth]

I think lying is a sin. Lying always leads you into further sin to. One lie seems to lead into a bigger lie and bigger lie until you r so far in u r in real trouble.


Christ's Love To All, Kalibeth

[Rome]

no lying is a sin

[4square]

we shouldnt lie - but sometimes I accidentally do :doh: :scratch: :eek:

[Cooter]

There wasen't one that potrayed exactly how i feel. Let me tell you a story:

In the great world war a christian woman was hiding Jews from the Nazi's in her house, many people had been killed for doing that and she helped hundreds of Jews escape the hands of Hitler. Now i think that we would all agree that that was the right thing (and a very brave thing) to do.

She would have to lie countless times to Soldiers coming around to her house doing searches for these Jews.

I rest my case.

Lying in most cases is wrong but Christianity is more than just following a set of guidelines blindly.

You can't slim it down to right and wrong in this case.

I would say:

No, except in some cases

jimi
I totally agree. In some cases, we must lie, as in the case above. And no, we can't always side-step the question and work around it so as not to lie. As in the case above, any hesitation could have taken a lot of lives. Now do we face that kind of a threat everyday? No. But that is one example of why we must sometimes lie. Is lying a sin? Of course. But it would be a much greater sin not to try to protect a fellow man against evil. As Christians, that is what we must do. God bless

[Artemis]

Lying is most definitely a sin. The Bible says that ALL LIARS will take their place in the lake of fire (except believers). Nowhere in Scripture is lying praised or rewarded. Yes, Rahab lied to save the spies God sent and was spared when the rest of the city fell, but she was never praised for lying but for having faith in the spies and God.
I must disagree that lying is just in some cases, for when is SIN justified?
Is lying a sin? Of course. But it would be a much greater sin not to try to protect a fellow man against evil.
Is there really such a thing as a lesser or greater sin (other than blasphemy)? If you believe so, I only wish to see Scripture supporting it :)

~A

[Sisof8]

i do it all the time but it is sinful. :-p

[agyevesam]

Everyone knows lying is wrong, it is a sin against God. If we all know this why is so hard not to lie?? Everytime I go to confession, I have to confess that I have lied. I don't know why I do, but somehow it always happens. :confused:

[seamonster]

I think it de