Another serious question for mature Christians about lying?

Question

I know that lying is a sin. My question is do you think that it is a sin to lie when you are simply doing so to spare someone's feelings?
For example: a co-worker wears a new pantsuit to work. It is really a very nice pantsuit, but you personally do not like it. She asks you "do you like my new pantsuit?" And no you really don't, but you tell her "yes, I do" to spare her feelings. Is that a sin?

Answer 1

This is a great question. We, as humans, have the tendency to want things to be all neat and segmented into "dos" and "donts" - that's why we're always getting in trouble for focusing on the "letter" rather than the "spirit" of God's Instructions.
There is a heirarchy in the Law - there are times when it is right to "break" a law in order to uphold a higher moral value. Rahab was rewarded for "lying" to save the lives of the Israelite spies. Trying to figure it all out takes a little bit of effort - but I can think of few things worth working harder on.

Answer 2

Nobody's perfect, except Christ. We will all sin every day, and being Christian does not exclude you from sinning, it just makes you more aware and opens your heart to the desire to do better about not sinning.

But therein lies the conundrum. Some religions (which are based on laws and rules, and the things most anti-theists are against) will make you feel guilty for sinning, will tell you there are steps you have to take to re-assure your salvation after each little sin, and will make you believe that sin can keep you from Christ's love.

Christ died for us while we were still sinners. What separates Christianity from religion is that we have a relationship with God that transcends the laws. That's why when Jesus was asked which commandment is most important, he didn't answer with anything from the "Big 10" but instead said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." He cares more that you love Him and have a relationship with Him than that you stress over every sin and how to make it better so that you get into Heaven.

The Bible tells us that if you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, live in a way that is pleasing to Him (that means trying, even though you'll never be perfect) and aren't ashamed of your relationship with Him, then you will receive the rewards He has for you.

So don't stress over things like this. Live your life. Speak out of love, not hate. Be known for what you are for more than what you're against. And tell your co-worker what you feel, because it may just help her make better decisions in the future. Just remember to say it with love.

Answer 3

Maybe you can say, that it is a pretty color..or find something nice to say about it without lying. I know what you mean, but with every temptation (to sin) the Lord makes a way of escape...look for that.

The only way I think telling a lie is permissible, Is to save another person's life..for instance...If I hid Jewish people from Nazi's..I would lie to protect them ..and not blink an eye (God forgive me if this is wrong)

Answer 4

Yes, any type of lying is a sin. You could respond on how the suit looks on her or the color or the way it's made. You can always find something to say that is positive when put in that position. And if the question persists, just tell the truth in a nice way. I have found that people respect you more when you do that, and they tend to value your opinion over others that would not tell the truth. The bottom line is God hates a lying tongue, so it is always best to tell the truth.

This is something that I found and sent to my loved ones to remind them about the power of the tongue. I hope this is something that will help as well:

It has been said that the “tongue” is one of the most exercised muscles of our body. It has been estimated that in a typical week, the average person will speak enough words to fill a 500 page book! However, for the Christian, the use of the tongue must be a matter of careful forethought and discipline. The Bible warns that believers who do not bring restraint to their tongue and speech have been deceived — and without such control over their words, their religious acts are worthless and hypocritical. “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). It is a deception for any of us to think that Jesus can be Lord over our life, without also becoming Lord over our tongue.
The reference to a “bridle” in the previous verse is the leather harness and bit placed in a horse’s mouth to control it. In the same manner, Christians must allow the Holy Spirit to bridle their tongue, and bring restraint to their words. David used a similar device as a metaphor to describe his tight control on his mouth to avoid sinning with his tongue, especially when the ungodly were around, where it’s easy to develop a critical tongue, or pick up their bad tongue habits, such as profanity. “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me” (Psalms 39:1).

God Bless.

Answer 5

That would not be a sin. If a lie prevents someone from being hurt, it can be a demonstration of love for that person.

Note that the midwives of Israel in Egypt lied to Pharaoh regarding the birth of the Israelite male children in order to not comply with Pharaoh's command to kill them, and God commended them for it.

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Answer 6

Instead of lying outright, I usually say something like "I like that green one you bought last month better." That way, I don't answer the question directly.

With the use of intelligent diversionary tactics, I avoid lying AND hurting my friend's feelings.

Answer 7

I would not lie. I would instead find something about the pant suit that you did like: color, the way it fits, style, material. You don't need to lie to prevent hurt feelings.

Answer 8

Don't take sins too literally. Yes it is a sin but God knows that you were thinking of her while you said it.. so it all evens out.

Christ will forgive you for your sins

Answer 9

Tell the truth
It looks fine on you but not something I would wear
Not my style

Answer 10

Tell her it looks terrific on her.
If she pushes it, tell her you don't think it would look as good on you. But no, I don't think it's a big deal if you tell her you like it - we all KNOW that's the answer she's fishing for!
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