Christianity Oasis Forum

[Dora]

RAINN (Rape Assault Incest Nation Network) suggests that if in a situation where one feels unsafe that they should do what they can do get out of the situation. Even if it means to lie.

Was wondering the Christian view point on this.

Is it ok to lie or even be rude to get out of a situation?

[gabrielle1965]

Maybe that person was trying to get some attention. Maybe they need to be asked why she made such a statement and maybe there was half truth to that! Also if they asked for forgiveness the instigators of this whole thing was forgiven.

[Dora]

It was a spokesperson for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

An article titled RAINN’s Back to School Safety Tips

Tip #5 Don't be afraid to hurt someone's feelings. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation it's OK to lie. Make up an excuse as to why you have to go. It's better to make up a reason to leave than to stay in a possibly dangerous situation. Your safety comes before someone else's feelings.

[mlg]

The Lord tells us in the Bible:

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

Many interpret this commandment to mean that we shouldn't lie. I suppose if you look at the literal meaning of this verse it says that we shouldn't lie when speaking about another person.

Remember this too...today we live in the age of grace...the laws are a guide...but Jesus forgives all things.

I also believe this...if God's brought you to a situation...he'll bring you through it...he will show you the way out if you encounter a situation that is uncomfortable and needs you to make a quick exit.

Take care and God Bless

[Dora]

That is very interesting. Thank you mlg.

When I asked others I was told the bible says, "Thou shalt not lie." After reading what you wrote I got to looking and I can't find in the bible where it says Thou shalt not lie. Not that we should lie.

What do you think God felt about Abraham lieing about Sarah being his sister instead of wife? Do you think God was ok with this, or was He disappointed? I searched last night to see if Abraham suffered any consequences for this and didn't find anything but my time was limited. I'll search when I have more time.

[Christnundrconstruxn]

I think I understand where your question is coming from and if I'm right:
I do not think God would want one of his children to be in danger, if it be a woman or child and someone is trying to lead them into a dangerous place then I don't think God would be upset if this person avoids being in this place at ANY cost
I know some will say a lie is a lie, well in my opinion they have never been raped or put in a position that they feared for thier life, someone that is true to God would either at the time or shortly after I'm sure would have feelings of regret for telling a lie and would ask for His forgiveness......are they not forgiven.
I think if you are lying for any other reason then yes i think God would be disappointed but if He sees you are doing it in fear of your life or well being I do not think the same would apply
Just as the example of Abraham, had he told the truth what would have happened....
This is JUST my thoughts and opinion, great topic though can't wait to read what else is posted due to being courious myself about this.
God bless
Cuc

[Praiseus_Maximus]

Rehab lied at Jericho... the midwives lied to protect.. was it moses?? or was it Christ????

[momof3]

HI Pinesters,

Interesting thread here! It reminded me of the time in COOL Church when O asked this...(paraphrased)

If a grocery store owner refused to allow a man to put a gallon of milk for his hungry baby on credit til he got money to pay for it, and the man stole the milk...who sinned in God's eyes?

God says in the law "Thou shalt not steal". He also says in the new testament to give when someone asks...is in need...to walk 2 miles instead of one..to give shirt and jacket...is it the written law God judges by or the heart?

He says He desires mercy over sacrifice. So, in my opinion, the man who had and refused to give to the other is the heart God will be concerned with.

thats just my opinion, though

love you guys! God bless you. I would love to see more responses on this one.........

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Really insightful post and responses here. Sure, even all Christians would have found themselves lieing at one time or another, but are ultimately forgiven due to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
But there are certainly grey areas, at least to my mind, as to when lieing may or may not constitute a sin, eg. in an extreme circumstance, telling a bald-faced lie in order to save a person's life, lieing about something from a past life (before salvation) to avoid trouble or problems in the modern day, and so on, or lieing to avoid the destructive outcome that the truth might bring about, and so on.
Just one more thing, though. Check Revelation 21:8. This talks about those who will suffer from the second death on the day of judgement, and the verse seemingly singles out liars in a stronger way than other types of sinners, in listing liars in last spot, and inserting the word 'all' before liars.
Taken literally, this would mean that no-one has a chance, not even Christians, because we all lie in our own way at times, even if not in a compulsive way. Even if we repent, we all have the capability in us and unfortunately do it at times. So, any thoughts on this particular verse, anyone?

[mlg]

Hi TrueandMagneticNorth,

I believe to discuss your question we need to add in the verse before Revelation 21:8 which states

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Then followed by:

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.

As I read these two verses together...I see in verse 7 our salvation covering the sins that are listed in verse 8. God wants no part of sin...that's why Jesus covers the sins of Christians with the blood He shed...so that God does not view us through our stained and sinful bodies, but through the love of Jesus within us. Verse 8 sadly describes what will become of those who are stained with sin and do not have the covering of Jesus because they don't know Him nor accept Him.

For those who accept and love Jesus we have the gate through which we will overcome and inherit all things....and He calls us His child.

Take care and God Bless

[Mackenaw]

Hello Everyone

God bless you this day.

Such an interesting thread. Woooohoooo!

TrueandMagneticnorth, you brought up Revelation 21:8, and it's reference to "liars." In doing word searches on this particular verse of scripture, the word "liars" addresses a specific type of liar, if you will -- the ones with a false witness, and that being a false witness to The Lord and His message: Those that carry a message in opposition to The Lord God Almighty. Liars, false witnesses, deceivers -- ones referenced to in the following scriptures:

Revelation 2:2, John 8:44, II Thessalonians 2:9, I Timothy 4:2, 1John 2:22

God bless and keep you, all.
Love,
Mack

[vahn]

By the time the rooster crowed , Peter lied three times , (to save his life) .... not only that , our Lord told Him that he would .

Speaking of myself , if I were to be put in a position where , my telling certain truth , knowing if I told truth would cause someone else severe harm .... I'd have no problem lieing .... I'll talk to my Lord later .


In Christ , our Lord