DECEPTIVE COMMUNICATION

Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.” He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.” So his father wept for him. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard. —Genesis 37:31-36

How sad is it when a person or group of people weave a story with its primary intent is to deceive others? It is so evil for a person or group to stand in front of others and speak in such a way that they know they are misleading them to believe something that is not true. This is none other than communication abuse with its intent to destroy the reality mindset of others.

This is exactly what happened in the verses above. Joseph’s brothers wove a story of deception to lead their father to believe their brother had died a horrible death by a wild animal and was devoured. How cruel is that? But to their own hurt they had to carry this guilt with them for years— “They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.” Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood” (Genesis 42:21-22).

Today people who are intentionally weaving deceptive stories, statistics and false reports have that on their conscience and God’s word says that “sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). God is not mocked and nothing is hid from His sight. Nobody is getting away with anything and all people, whether they want to acknowledge it or not, will appear before Him one day. No, nothing will is hidden from Him! Let us be wise and discerning in communication!

Dear Father, by the power of Your Holy Spirit may we discern what is true and what is false. I am so grateful that You know who is speaking truth and who is speaking lies. May I be sensitive to Your guidance in this and may I speak truth and never seek to willingly deceive anyone. May this be so in the authority of Jesus my Lord!