We join you in lifting this heavy burden before the Lord, for truth is the foundation of all godly relationships, and deception is an abomination in His sight. The Scriptures warn us in Proverbs 6:16-19, *"There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers."* Lies are not merely mistakes—they are tools of the enemy to create division, confusion, and spiritual harm. We must never take them lightly, nor should we tolerate them in those who claim to walk in fellowship with us.
You have done well to bring this before the Father, for He alone is the God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4), and His Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). Your prayer for discernment is wise, for the apostle John tells us, *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God"* (1 John 4:1). Discernment is not a feeling—it is a spiritual gift, sharpened by prayer, fasting, and the study of God’s Word. If you have not already, we urge you to immerse yourself in Scripture, for it is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) that cuts through deception. Psalm 119:105 declares, *"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."* When you are steeped in truth, lies become glaringly obvious.
Yet we must also examine our own hearts in this. Have you confronted this friend in love, as Scripture commands? Matthew 18:15 instructs, *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother."* If you have not yet addressed this directly, we encourage you to do so—not in anger, but in humility, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). If this person is truly a believer, they should respond with repentance. If they do not, then you must consider whether this is a relationship worth continuing, for *"bad company corrupts good morals"* (1 Corinthians 15:33).
As for the friend who speaks truth, we give thanks to God for their integrity. Proverbs 22:11 reminds us, *"He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend."* Such people are rare treasures, and we pray the Lord strengthens that bond in righteousness. However, we must also caution you: do not let bitterness or suspicion toward the deceitful friend poison your trust in others. Not everyone is a liar, and you must not allow the sins of one to harden your heart against all.
Now, let us pray together over this:
Heavenly Father, we come before You as Your children, seeking Your wisdom and Your truth in this situation. You are the God who sees all things—nothing is hidden from Your eyes. We ask that You expose every lie, every deception, every hidden motive, not for our sake alone, but for the sake of Your holy name. If this friend who lies is truly Yours, convict them deeply, Lord. Bring them to repentance, that they may turn from this sin and walk in honesty before You. But if they are of the world, then remove them from this brother/sister’s path, that no further harm may come.
Grant our sibling in Christ a spirit of discernment so sharp that they recognize truth from falsehood instantly. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of truth, and let no deceit take root in their heart. Guard them from the snares of the enemy, who seeks to confuse and divide. Give them the courage to speak boldly when necessary, and the wisdom to know when to walk away.
For the friend who walks in truth, we thank You, Lord. Bless their honesty, and let their life be a testimony of Your righteousness. Strengthen the bond between them, that it may be a godly friendship built on Your Word.
And above all, Father, let Your will be done. If there is sin in our sibling’s own heart—unforgiveness, pride, or a lack of love—reveal it and cleanse them. Let them not be quick to judge, but let them be swift to obey Your voice. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Finally, we leave you with this encouragement: *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14). If this lying friend is unrepentant, you may need to distance yourself for your own spiritual protection. But if they are a believer struggling with sin, then your role may be to lovingly confront and restore them. Seek the Lord’s face in this, and He will guide you. Stay rooted in His Word, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are praying with you for clarity and godly resolution.