Removing the Mask of Deception: Repent, Forgive, and Don’t Look Back!

When I looked up the term “deceive”, it simply means “to mislead or falsely persuade others”. So, how is it that we are so easily deceived by friends, family, co-workers, strangers, merchants, and this list can go on and on and on. One reason is because deception has many names. After reading the definition, I actually struggled with calling deception what it really is… because it seemed like such a harsh word. I wanted to soften it up because I just didn’t want to offend anyone. But then I realized that no matter what alternative word I used, no matter how I sugar-coated it or fluffed up the connotation, I concluded that is still a lie.

Here’s what I have learned about deception:

1. One --- It’s a reversible mask …because a person will operate as the deceiver, or the deciev-ee (the one being deceived).

2. Two --The deceiver needs to repent and ask God for forgiveness ………….and the deciev-ee needs to forgive someone else.

What can be assessed is that it’s not what you do when you are deceived, it’s what you do with the deception.

1. Eve was deceived by the enemy - She blamed others for her decision (Genesis 3)

2. Judas was deceived by the enemy - He committed suicide (Luke 22)

3. 2 Samuel 11 David deceived himself by thinking he could cover up his sin He took off his mask, repented for his sins, God forgave him, and he moved on

Deception, on either end, will make you feel like you should have known better; and that it’s your fault. It will make you angry, or feel bitter inside. You may experience anxiety, depression, or begin to lose trust in anyone. In order to remove the mask of deception, you have to repent or forgive. It’s not an option. Matthew 6:14-15 says, "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions".

Remember that in order for you to heal, it is an absolute must that you to forgive those who have deceived you, cheated you, took advantage of you, broke your heart, stole something from you, victimize and betrayed you, or other. Although this may be the hardest thing you have had to do, seek God's help and guidance. You don't have to do it alone.