Living in the Word – Prayer Devotional for Lying
As a Christian mental health therapist I sit with people of all age who struggle with lying on a daily basis.
Lying typically happens for two reasons: to get out of trouble or to exaggerate the truth to increase one’s value and/or worth.
Think of the little kid literally caught with their hand in the cookie jar and their immediate response is “I didn’t do it.” We are creatures of self-preservation. It takes maturity, honor, and responsibility to own up to our mistakes and actions.
It also takes confidence and security in one’s worth.
Now think of the person who crafts tall tales or the person who is the ‘one upper’. They almost always struggle with self-esteem and confidence issues. The person believes they are not good enough as they are. So they make stories more interesting or dramatic to get a larger reaction or greater accolades or more sympathy.
Lying can cause a person to lose trust and relationships. Lying also hinders a person from being the person God wants and created them to be.
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.
Exodus 20:16
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detest lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
Psalm 34:11-14
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn form evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish.
Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
I sincerely pray that these scriptures meet you where you are today and help you to remember you are worthy as you are. There is no need to lie, tell stories, or exaggerate. No matter the response of others, God loves you exactly as you are because you are His.
God bless,
Melissa
What a great group of Scriptures about lying! “It takes maturity, honor, and responsibility to own up to our mistakes and actions.” I have always taught my kids that if they own their mistakes, they will either get off scott free from their offense, or their sentence will be reduced. I did this in our home since my kids were small, and now when they get into a mess, they tell me right away, and we resolve it together.
It’s a joy to find God’s words to help us through all situations! In my therapy office I most often see kids telling some pretty tall tales because they don’t realize that they are enough all by themselves! Thank you for reading and commenting! God Bless!
This is a great post. I recently caught my 7 year old grandson cheating and lying while we were playing a game together. We had to have a little talk about it and I also made him tell his mom when she came to pick him up after work. I appreciate the scriptures. They are ones I will share with him. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Lying is such an impulsive and immature reaction to distress! I hope having to come clean about his actions will help. Having a conversation about how to handle and manage distress and disappointment may be helpful, too! Thank you for reading and commenting! God Bless!
I enjoyed this post! I have a child that lies quite a bit, your explanation why is helpful! I’m going to read him some of these verses and talk about it with him.
I’m glad the past was helpful! Reading the bible verses with him would be great. Also focusing on how he is enough just as he is and build him up can be helpful to let go of lying. Thank you for reading and commenting! God Bless!
I’m with Susan. My daughter and I were just discussing this. the punishment was much easier when they owned their mistakes.
It’s definitely good for kids to understand that taking responsibility for their actions has far less ramifications in the long run! Thank you for reading and commenting! God Bless!
This is a great devotional and guide to coming to God to confess lying. It’s one of those sins that is easy to brush under the rug, but it’s essential that we understand that all of our sins separate us from God . Not just the ones we think are the “biggies.”
That’s so true. Lying can be easily downplayed and minimized but it leads to internal conflict and shame and your right, separation from God. Thank you for reading and commenting! God Bless!
I am so glad that you did this. These are great and being a mom of six children who at times lie, this would be great to have on hand for quick reference.
I’m so glad you found the post beneficial. With scripture in hand and the knowledge of why a person lies, we can help lead them to maturity and honesty! Thank you for reading and commenting! God Bless!
I use to exaggerate as a kid, which was definitely because of self-esteem issues. I have to admit, on rare occasions, that I still do it because it’s such a knee-jerk reaction for me. But I am able to notice it more when I do and either correct myself immediately, or if I catch it too late, then to ask for forgiveness from Him. God has definitely improved my self-worth issue because today I am less interested in what others think, especially the more I grow with Him!
This is so common and something I did as a child, too. I thought I wasn’t enough. God has definitely brought me through this area over the years but it can creep back up if my self-worth is taking a dip. Thank you for your honest and genuine comment! God bless your day!