Liars go to Hell: Justification of Harmless lies in Christianity

As per the bible lying is a sin and it’s a violation of the covenant of God pertaining to Ten Commandments. Still, what is the status of a harmless lie, which can both save and not harm someone at the same time in its occurrence? Apparently many Christians are confused to conclude yet whether a harmless lie is a sin in the eyes of the Lord. Even the world has welcomed and named it as “white-lie” with passion. Besides, if we are enthusiastic to follow the living Word of God, certainly we come across with this dilemma, I guess. As a fact, telling a lie is definitely a sin when it hurt someone somewhere in its course. So, it is imperative to understand the real meaning of the word ‘lie’ in terms of love and kindness. When defining a lie; it is the false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive – which is an intentional untruth or falsehood of reality. So let’s examine what bible has to say about it?

For the true Christians, anything beyond the truth is not recommended, since our God is nothing but truth. Yet, a harmless lie to protect or save someone instead of hurting them cannot be ignored as well, I suppose. Often those harmless lies are the fruits of such good intentions, especially for avoiding possible confusion or grievance in most situations. One of such incidents is commented on bible in John 7:1-10 – where Jesus is telling a harmless lie to His brothers, as it hurts no one but useful for avoiding some commotion pertaining His ministry, supposedly. It is quite surprising that bible recorded this incident as a plain lie – yet, it is a perfect harmless lie, which justifies the acceptable possibilities of its occurrences in all walks of life.

According to bible, if followed certain rules amicably, we can avoid telling lies easily in our daily lives. It is written in Matthew 5:36-37 (NIV Bible); “Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one”. In other words, bible is warning about our unnecessary talks and leads, which could guide us into the troubles of telling lies. Our God who searches the heart knows the mind of the spirit, because the spirit intercedes for all saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). This is an assurance for the believers to think that God alone is the super judge and He does it well. Therefore do not be troubled about a harmless lie, if it wouldn’t hurt anyone; instead submit all the intentions to the Lord as He will give rest unconditionally. Besides, if our heart does not condemn us, we have the confidence towards God and His righteousness, says the bible in 1 John 3:21.