I Had to See It for Myself: When Mercy Meets Deception
I had to see it with my own eyes.
The thing about deception is… you don’t know you’re deceived when you’re in it. But the Word of God tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, and He will lead us into all truth (John 16:13). That’s a promise, but it’s also an invitation.
When we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where we’ve embraced lies, errors in thinking, or unhealthy alignments, He will show us. Sometimes the revelation is immediate, but other times it takes a while for our eyes and hearts to fully see.
I’ve always been someone who needs to see things for myself. Especially when it comes to people, I try not to accept accusations or negativity at face value. I lean toward grace and mercy more than judgment; though I’m human and still a work in progress. My gift of mercy is strong. But I’ve learned it has to be sanctified and submitted to the Holy Spirit so it doesn’t get in the way of what God is trying to do, especially when it comes to correction.
Here are some signs that mercy has become unsanctified and that it’s no longer serving God’s purposes:
It ignores God’s truth or principles - You excuse or cover sin instead of confronting it in love.
It prioritizes temporary comfort over eternal good - You help someone avoid consequences God might be using for correction.
It stems from guilt or fear instead of obedience - You act because you feel bad, not because God led you.
It enables sin or dependency - Mercy becomes codependency, meeting needs that keep someone stuck in sin or rebellion.
It lacks boundaries or accountability - You overextend yourself in a way that leads to burnout, resentment, or a violation of God’s priorities for your life.
Here’s how you give your mercy gift back to God:
Acknowledge the gift as His, not yours.
Lay it on the altar.
Ask Holy Spirit to govern it.
Align it with truth, not emotion.
Set godly boundaries that protect you and honor His ways.
My Story Continues…
Years ago, I formed a relationship with a prophet who was new to the scene — at least in my circle. Not many people had heard about this person but somehow I found myself in relationship with them. As our relationship grew, I began to hear some concerning things about them, but I quickly dismissed it all and decided I would see for myself. I didn’t go in looking for red flags. In fact, I went in believing the absolute best.
Over the years, our relationship grew deeper. And then, one day, my eyes began to open. I started seeing things I had either missed or chose not to see. Maybe they weren’t there at the start. Or maybe I just didn’t want to acknowledge them. I still believe that most ministers begin with pure intentions. But somewhere along the way, things can shift.
What I saw didn’t align with the Word of God, especially in how this person treated others. There was a coldness, a harshness. Some of their prayers even took on the tone of manipulation and what I now recognize as spiritual witchcraft. And still, I let my mercy gift override what the Holy Spirit was showing me until I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I have since repented of my agreement and involvement with turning a blind eye and any way I had, either knowingly or unknowingly, come into agreement with their behavior.
A big eye-opener for me was when this person publicly released a prophetic word — a word I knew was not true. I had been present when the events they referenced took place, and their version was simply false. And I knew that they knew the details they shared were not true. A prophetic word, meant to be sacred and Holy Spirit-breathed, had been twisted. And it broke my heart.
I could no longer unsee what I had seen. No more excuses. No more dismissing the checks in my spirit.
Here’s the thing: I chose to be deceived. Because I loved this person. Because I valued the relationship. Because my mercy wanted to believe the best. But in doing so, I ignored the convictions, the red flags, and ultimately, the truth.
I want to make absolutely clear, this isn’t about exposing them. This is about exposing me. My heart. My own areas of compromise. And maybe, just maybe, it will help someone else come out of deception, too.
I’ve come to believe that a Spirit-filled believer cannot stay deceived unless, on some level, they’re choosing to ignore what God is showing them. The Holy Spirit lives in us. And if we truly ask Him to reveal truth, He will.
Now that I know what I know, I’m committed to never again letting my mercy gift override God’s discernment. It’s a lesson I won’t forget and I know I’m not the only one who’s learned it the hard way.
We’re in a season of divine exposure. God is dealing not just with the false but also with the hidden motives of our hearts. None of us are exempt from His refining fire. We can either yield and be purified… or run and risk exposure.
If you find yourself in this situation, you can go to the person operating in error in love and encourage them to repent. But understand, they may not be ready or willing to see the truth. That’s when your job becomes to pray, not persuade. Ask the Lord to bring truth and repentance into their life in His way and His time.
Pray this with me:
Father, I ask that you would continue to reveal the places and spaces in my heart that have chosen to be deceived or that has allowed deception to come in because I chose to look the other way from the truth of what you were showing me. I pray that you would deal with all error within me swiftly, so that I can repent and turn from that which displeases you. I pray God that you would keep me safe from deception and that, as I listen and obey you, my discernment would increase. I pray that you would reveal any compromise in me so that I can walk in righteousness with you. In the mighty name of Jesus!
