Ezekiel 13:22 says, “You have discouraged the righteous with your lies, but I didn’t want them to be sad. And you have encouraged the wicked by promising them life, even though they continue in their sins” (NLT). This passage is a sharp rebuke against false prophets who, rather than warning the people of the consequences of their sinful ways, offer them false comfort and assurance. The prophets are telling people what they want to hear, rather than the truth that could save them.

Today, well-meaning Christians sometimes fall into a similar trap by embracing the world’s self-centered version of “love.” In an attempt to be compassionate or inclusive, they may affirm lifestyles and behaviors that are clearly contrary to God’s Word. Whether it’s affirming same-sex unions or advocating for surgical transitions for minors, these actions often stem from a desire to be loving and supportive. However, when such affirmations contradict biblical teachings, they promise life when there is only death.

True love does not ignore the truth. Jesus loved sinners deeply, yet He never affirmed their sin. Instead, He called them to repentance, knowing that true life is found not in indulging sinful desires but in turning away from them and following God. To offer false assurances in the name of love is to abandon the very foundation of the gospel, which calls for repentance and transformation through Christ.

As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means we must stand firm on biblical truth, even when it’s unpopular, while also showing compassion and grace. Our goal should be to point people to the life that is truly life—life that is found in Christ alone. By doing so, we fulfill our duty as followers of Jesus, guiding others away from the path of destruction and toward the path of life.