The first lie is always that the ends justify the means.  Even then the outcomes don’t equate to a righteous outcome. Logic breaks down when the ends become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Any good end achieved thru manipulation can be achieved thru honesty. Consequence becomes the fear instead of reaching a desirable result. It is worse to avoid a temporary relationship problem then to create and long-term relationship problem. Even if your manipulation is covered well the cost on your soul is a far greater price to bear.

Jeremiah 9:5-6 (NASB):

“’Everyone deceives his neighbor and does not speak the truth, They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves committing iniquity. Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit; Through deceit they refuse to know Me,’ declares the Lord.”

This verse is important because it defines deceit. It unequivocally compares deceit to lying. Too many times people separate manipulation and lying into two separate categories. This is done to only make people feel better about their sin. The ends don’t even matter when determining whether manipulation is justified or not.

Also, there is a fear of consequences. Many times, we are afraid of what might happen if we don’t manipulate someone. If there is a bad result, then we feel guilty about not doing enough. This is a horrible way to think. This is not the definition of love. Love involves truth. Using fear as a justification of love is damaging. The verse I already given explains that deceit is evil. If someone finds out they been lured into a way of thinking it would cause a long-term strain on the relationship. The longer it goes on the harder it is to mend trust.

Romans 12:17-18 (NASB):

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”

Sin isn’t like math. Two negatives don’t equal a positive. If you see someone going down the wrong path toward evil use Truth to do so. You need to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are trying to direct toward your own will. Would you want those actions to be put on you? Don’t use the cop out answer. You shouldn’t say, “I would never of made that mistake.” Rest assured, you have made a lot of mistakes in your life. Everyone makes mistakes daily. If you ever try to rationalize manipulating take a closer look at what you are doing.