"I Think You Misunderstood Me" - Gaslighting 101 - Ep 314

Define gaslighting: A psychological tactic used to manipulate someone into doubting their reality, memory, or perception.

Why this matters for Christians? God calls us to walk in truth, and deception is a tool of the enemy
Key Scripture: John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:44 reminds us about the father of lies….You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 

 Questions to think about…
 Have you ever felt like someone made you question your reality?
How did you recognize it?

Biblical Examples of Gaslighting 
The Serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5)
How Satan gaslighted Eve by twisting God’s words: “Did God really say…?”
Application: Recognizing when someone distorts God’s truth to control or deceive.
 Jacob Deceives his father Isaac to trick him in giving the first born blessing to him (Genesis 27)

Application: Manipulation leads to broken trust and division.
 Pharaoh & the Israelites (Exodus 5:6-9)
   Pharaoh increases the Israelites’ labor but blames them for being lazy.

 Application: When leaders or people in power gaslight others to maintain control.
The Pharisees and Jesus (John 9:24-34)
  The Pharisees try to gaslight the healed blind man into denying his healing.
  Application: When religious leaders use authority to suppress truth.

Advice - 
Question to ask in your relationships?
     Have you ever been pressured to believe a lie despite knowing the truth?
     How did you respond?

How Gaslighting Affects Us Spiritually and Emotionally
 Creates confusion and doubt (James 1:6-8 – A double-minded person is unstable.)
  Destroys trust in relationships (Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips.”)

Leads to emotional and spiritual exhaustion (Psalm 55:21 – “His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart.”)

Breaks identity and self-worth (Psalm 139:14 – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”)
 
Reflect:
 Have you ever felt emotionally or spiritually drained after interactions with a certain person?

How to Respond to Gaslighting Biblically
  Stand firm in God’s truth (John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”)
  Set boundaries against manipulation (Matthew 7:6 – “Do not give dogs what is sacred.”)
  Seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, people fall.”)
  Pray for discernment (1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”)
  If needed, walk away (Luke 4:28-30 – Jesus left when people rejected the truth.)

Challenge -
      •   Identify one situation where you need to stand firm in truth.
      •   Ask God for wisdom to set healthy boundaries.
God is a God of truth, not confusion (2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.”)
      •   Share this episode with someone who may need encouragement.

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