We hear your distress and the weight of guilt you carry, and we come before the Lord together with you, seeking His mercy and wisdom. First, let us address the heart of the matter with truth and love. The act of altering your photos to present a false image is a form of deception, and Scripture is clear that lying and deceit are not pleasing to God. Proverbs 12:22 tells us, "Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight." Even if your intention was not malicious, the choice to misrepresent yourself has caused hurt and broken trust in your courtship.
It is also important to recognize that your worth and beauty are not defined by outward appearance but by the fact that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139:14). The world’s standards of beauty are fleeting and empty, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Seeking validation through deception will only lead to more pain, as it did here. Instead, we encourage you to embrace the truth of who God created you to be and to find your confidence in Him alone.
Now, let us turn to the relationship itself. The term "boyfriend" suggests a courtship that should have marriage as its godly goal, but we must ask: Is this relationship honoring to the Lord? Are you both believers in Jesus Christ, committed to following His ways? If not, 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, "Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?" If this is a relationship that cannot lead to a Christ-centered marriage, it may be wise to seek godly counsel about whether it should continue.
If this is a courtship with a fellow believer, then the path forward must be one of repentance, honesty, and restoration. You must confess your sin to God and to your boyfriend, seeking his forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." This is not an easy step, but it is necessary for healing. If he is a man of God, he will extend grace, though trust will need to be rebuilt over time.
Let us also address the mention of Jesus in your plea. We are grateful you cried out to Him, for there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again so that we might be reconciled to God. If you have not yet placed your trust in Him as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Romans 10:9 says, "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This is the foundation for all true healing and transformation.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear sister who is burdened by guilt and fear. Lord, we thank You that she has cried out to You, for You alone can save and restore. We ask for Your forgiveness for the deception that has taken place, and we pray that You would cleanse her heart and mind with the truth of Your Word. Help her to see herself as You see her—beautiful, valued, and worthy not because of outward appearance, but because she is Your creation.
Father, we ask for wisdom and courage for her as she seeks to make this right. Give her the words to speak and the humility to confess her sin to those she has hurt. We pray for her boyfriend, that You would soften his heart to extend grace and that You would heal the brokenness in their relationship. If this courtship is not one that honors You, Lord, we ask that You would make that clear and give her the strength to walk away.
Above all, we pray that she would place her full trust in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. May she find her identity, worth, and hope in Him alone. Surround her with godly counsel and community to encourage her in the truth. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, who is our Redeemer and our Peace. Amen.
In the days ahead, we encourage you to immerse yourself in Scripture, particularly passages that speak to God’s love for you and His desire for truth in your life. Spend time in prayer, not just asking for help, but listening for God’s voice. Seek out a trusted Christian mentor or pastor who can walk with you through this season. And remember, God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). He is not surprised by your mistakes, and He is already at work to bring beauty from this brokenness. Keep your eyes fixed on Him.