When to Tell Someone They Believe a Lie — How to Speak Truth in Love

Was it wrong to tell a Mormon family member they’re deceived?Jesus spoke boldly about deception. Shouldn’t I do the same?

Greg Koukl encourages Christians to speak the truth confidently, even when it might be hard, while also remembering that the Holy Spirit is the one who ultimately changes hearts. He emphasizes that it’s not wrong to be direct, as long as it’s done thoughtfully and in the right context.

#StandtoReason #Apologetics #Christianity

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[STRvideos]

It’s important to remember that we are ambassadors for Christ, and that we represent Jesus in everything we say and do. Therefore, we should strive to be patient, kind, and loving whenever we’re telling others about the gospel.

Here are some additional, relevant resources to help:

I Could Be Wrong...

Is It Wrong to Think You’re Right?

Is certainty a sin?

Is It Wrong to Claim a Religion Is True?

Evangelism Isn’t Disrespectful

[doveofgrace]

Reminds me of what I once heard John MacArthur say to someone who asked him the same question, “You tell ‘em what the Bible tells you to tell them; that’s what you tell ‘em.”

[sonnyh]

So insightful. I have been giving people puzzle pieces for a long time hoping they could put it together and see the picture. Knowing what to say and when to say it takes discernment from the Holy Spirit. There's not necessarily a formula to follow because each person is different. Most of the time, people can tell when you care about them and are more likely to listen when they believe you care about them. When we don't take the time to listen to them and we just give them our talking points, it usually comes across in a negative way. It's all so tricky because we are usually limited on time, so we try to be quick and straight forward, . We have to do everything in love and trust God with the results. Knowing when to use tough love has been difficult for me.

[jessitabonita]

As a former new-ager (but now born again reformed Christian) coming from a Mormon dad and a Roman Catholic mom: I really feel for her and understand her zeal for the truth and the conflicting pain that comes from realizing many people who call themselves Christians are actually talking about entirely different Jesus’s than that of the Bible.
He even said he did not come to bring peace but a sword and that families will be divided because of the Truth!

Mike Winger has some solid videos teaching on LDS, JW, and RCC, and while they’ve helped me, they’re quite long so this clip was a refreshing reminder on how to conduct a discussion of theological disagreement.

Also, the idea to preach the gospel without saying words or to just be passively “nice” rather than what the scriptures say to “REPENT and believe, ” how will anyone know what to repent from of you avoid pointing it out?!

[mitchellpugh]

My pastor told me that if they don’t believe what God has said then they won’t believe anything I have to say. It’s our responsibility to say what God has said and to help people understand by speaking the truth in love. If anyone is not receptive to us in that endeavour than they are rejecting the Lord. At that point, I think to just simply ask them what they believe and why they believe it. Sometimes we’re really not sure what we believe until we are asked to give a good reason for it. That’s why we are told to always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that is in us. 🙂

[MomMamadil]

In a time when the world is increasingly against Christ, and therefore more and more Christians are in conversations w/ family and friends who are deceived, it is reminders like this which bring great comfort to the church. Thanks brother. And thank you sister for your question. Most of all thank God for Jesus as He is in Scripture and the freedom we have in Him!!!❤

[cc-mkhp]

I too am exmormon. All glory to Father God for drawing me to the true Christ of the Holy Bible ! I too, tried to gracefully, gently, tactfully write to my family about why l left. I laid out some facts very clearly. I was very supportive and grateful of members, but truthful about the deception. I was called contentious, then shunned. 😥
The idea of approaching them again really triggers the ptsd. I am willing to endure the fallout, but wow, their cognitive dissonance and willful ignorance is huge. I cannot rest within my heart. What words are enough?
Kudos to the woman on the phone as well as to Greg!

[alonsogarcia]

Heavy loaded intro conversation! So much I'm gonna have to break that down into verses.

[englishrose]

Thank you, Greg, for your very wise counsel. God bless you.

[byronrhodes]

Jesus also calls them a brood of vipers. Matthew 12:24, Matthew 23:33.

[twaho]

Jesus said it 🙏❤️

Matt 23:33
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

[johnhatch]

beautiful video. always (to the best of your understanding) tell the truth, and do what's right (to the best of your ability) regardless of the consequences. the 'great falling away' is not people falling away from the Churches, it is the Churches falling away from sound doctrine (people falling away from the Churches is just a side effect). keep up the good work, .. and hang in there : )

[OKatie]

I thank God for preparing and equipping men of God to preach the truth and teach sound doctrine and offer biblical wisdom. Thank you for all that you do to equip the saints

[imago]

Some people are blinded and cannot see the truth. Jesus said my sheep hear my voice. Whoever was given to Him He will not lose.

[moosechuckle]

Read tactic not too long ago, and just downloaded the audio version, so I can get a refresher.

Tactics is one of my top books..

[philipatoz]

Excellent conversation here. One thing is, there is a time for exceptional directness and boldness in telling people what may anger them. But it depends upon what they currently know and how entrenched and resistant they are to hearing the truth. So, for me, that's certainly not where I start out, but if the conversation requires it, I may say that I think they are deceiving themselves - certainly about Scripture. But if really entrenched, I might further say that I don't think they really want to know the truth - and that they'll likely never discover it if they don't at least desire it / persist in intentionally avoiding it. My other thought is, Jesus PERFECTLY knew people's thoughts, thinking and evil motivations - He was absolutely certain what needed to be said to them. And not because He thought they would eventually listen, but so others would potentially see and thus examine themselves per His brutal criticism of others. And also for believers to understand the kind of people they might well be up against - as they are often beyond reason and convincing - because, for them, understanding and seeking the truth about God was never important to them.

[billirons]

I think this woman is her relatives, best friend, and they don’t even know it. I also think that your scripture assessment is very sound, and fortunately, I think there are some pastors that are so afraid of losing their paycheck or their flock, instead of speaking, the truth boldly Fearlessly and in love.

[Katrina.for_art]

Jesus also said if you don't believe me at least believe the works, so perhaps offer to lay healing hands on them.

[dagwould]

Tricky situation; without knowing the detail, of course, I'd take a different tack: I'd read up on Mormon literature, particularly the essays that betray historical events in Mormonism that most Mormons are ignorant of. Then, I'd start questioning their beliefs; curiously, not aggressively...how they explain the various things; that would demonstrate an irenic spirit, rather than an aggressive one. One obviously gets nowhere constantly telling people they are wrong; that will build resistance immediately. Reading up on their documents would show genuine concern and interest.

[imheck]

I brought a man to our church, I knew he has a problem with drugs & alcohol so I filled in the pastor. The man was helping around the church so got him a phone to help with planning. He got baptized, became homeless so the pastor leaves him sleep in the church with no accountability at all. First his phone disappeared then a day later the church bus was taken & careened through the neighborhood taking out bushes & mailboxes. I've tried talking to him & everyone involved & all I hear is we're praying for him & we don't want to get involved with something personal between him & you. I tell them "It's not about the phone or the bus, it's about accountability, sobriety & being right with God!". Any ideas?