“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.”
Ephesians 5:11-13
Manipulation is so prevalent that it often slips by unnoticed, even within the church. One tactic of manipulation is the deflection of accountability, where someone shifts the blame for another’s reaction without addressing the initial hurtful behavior that caused it.
This tactic undermines truth and creates an imbalance of power, often leading individuals to doubt their own experiences or emotions. This subtle manipulation reflects a greater issue seen in “woke” or progressive Christianity today, where uncomfortable truths are often sidelined in favor of what is perceived as “kindness” or “acceptance,” even when it compromises the integrity of the gospel.
The Bible offers robust wisdom on honesty, accountability, and dealing with manipulation. God’s Word is unambiguous about the call to truth, rejecting deceit and deflection. Consider the following passages:
Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
Here, deceit, scheming, and sowing discord are strongly condemned. Manipulation falls within these descriptions, as it involves deceiving others for personal gain or deflecting responsibility to escape accountability. God’s view on such behavior is clear: it’s detestable and incompatible with a life of holiness.
Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Manipulation often relies on distortion of truth, but this verse warns that nothing is hidden from God. Attempts to deflect blame or shift focus from one’s own behavior to the reaction of another are forms of sowing deceit. God promises that these seeds of dishonesty will eventually bring about consequences.
Ephesians 4:15 – “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
This verse calls believers to speak the truth in love, not to hide behind half-truths or emotional deflection. Manipulation that twists reality to protect oneself at the expense of others is contrary to the transparency and accountability that Scripture calls for within the Body of Christ.
In today’s cultural climate, we see manipulation infiltrating the church in the form of so-called “progressive Christianity.” Here are some common examples:
• Avoiding Biblical Truth in the Name of “Love”: Progressive Christianity often redefines love to mean unconditional affirmation, ignoring or diminishing teachings on sin, repentance, and the holiness of God. Rather than addressing sin, these perspectives often shift blame to those who uphold biblical standards, labeling them “unloving” or “judgmental.” This dynamic discourages accountability and manipulates believers into silence, leaving sin unchecked.
• Redefining Right and Wrong: Isaiah 5:20 warns against calling “evil good and good evil.” Progressive Christianity sometimes reverses biblical teachings to fit cultural trends, downplaying moral convictions and convincing people that standing for biblical truth is somehow offensive or narrow-minded.
• Focusing on the “How” Over the “What”: As the Apostle Paul predicted, there would be times when people would “turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). When Christians focus more on subjective feelings and less on objective truth, it becomes easier to manipulate emotions and sidestep hard biblical truths, allowing worldly values to replace biblical standards.
How to Guard Against Manipulation Biblically
The Bible offers a clear path for dealing with manipulation and embracing truth:
Stand Firm in the Truth – Jesus said, “If you abide in my word… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Knowing Scripture allows believers to recognize and resist manipulation, freeing them from the influence of half-truths or deceptive teachings.
Seek Accountability – Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Being part of a faithful Christian community with accountability prevents manipulative tactics from going unchecked. Leaders and believers alike are to call each other to a higher standard, rooted in truth and love.
Pursue Genuine Repentance – Manipulation seeks to avoid responsibility, but true repentance faces it head-on. 1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from unrighteousness. This call to transparency and confession stands against any form of deception or blame-shifting.
Cultivate Discernment – Philippians 1:9-10 encourages believers to grow in love and discernment “so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” The Holy Spirit provides wisdom to recognize when words are twisted or intentions are masked. Discernment allows believers to respond biblically rather than be swayed by false teachings or cultural trends.
A Call to Truth and Integrity in the Church
Manipulation, in all its forms, is a distortion of the truth and opposes the biblical mandate for transparency, accountability, and genuine love. The rise of progressive Christianity has brought many valuable conversations to the forefront, but any teaching that distorts or softens God’s Word is ultimately harmful. Ephesians 5:11 calls believers to “expose the deeds of darkness,” meaning we cannot remain silent or passive when truth is compromised within the Body of Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are called to a love that is patient and kind, but also one that rejoices in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Our standard is the unwavering truth of the gospel, and our calling is to hold each other accountable, growing together into maturity in Christ. The church must stand firm in the full counsel of Scripture, resisting manipulation and distortion, and embracing the life-transforming truth of the gospel.
“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”
Luke 12:2-3
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
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