Friday, 31^st October, 2025

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 12:22, and John 10:10

Memory Verse:  The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)

Catfishing happens when someone hides behind a fake online identity to trick others, sometimes for laughs, sometimes for love, often for money or control. It’s the digital version of a mask party, except only one person knows it’s a costume. God calls us to live in truth (Ephesians 4:25) and warns that “lying lips are detestable” (Proverbs 12:22). So, how do we guard our hearts and phones? Four (4) Real-Life Scenarios and How to Respond:

1. The “New Friend” with Glam Pics: An account pops up with professional-looking selfies, but only five posts and all from last week. They DM: “Hey bestie! You seem cool. Do you mind to chat privately?”

Red flags: i. The account has a zero tagged friends. ii. Too-good-to-be-true compliments!

Faith-based response: Remember 1 Samuel 16:7. Appearances can mislead. Pray for discernment; and verify through a quick video call before sharing personal info.

2. The Scholarship Saviour: A “charity” asks for your bank details to deposit a £1,000 study grant payable today only.

Red Flags: i. There’s a pressure to act fast. ii. Why request for money to “process” my reward? 

Faith-based response: Wisdom says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge” (Proverbs 27:12). Ask a trusted adult to check the organisation’s website and registration.

3. Gamer-Tag Romance: You met in an online game. After two nights of voice chat, you both confess undying love, but the webcam of the other party is “broken.”

Red flags:  i. The person refuses live video call. ii. Sometimes, their stories don’t line up.

Faith-based response: Real love “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Suggest a group video call with mutual gaming friends. If they dodge, step back.

4. The Crisis Cousin: Someone claiming to be your mum’s distant cousin messages: “I’m stranded abroad. Can you send £200 mobile credits?”

Red flags: A new number, same sad story. Why won’t the caller call your mum directly?

Faith-based response: Jesus told us to be “shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Call the real relative or another family member before acting.

Wisdom Speaks:

A. Practice a 3-second pause before accepting any new request: Who is this, really?

B. Ask a parent or mentor to follow your main social accounts; accountability is protection, not prison.

C. Post something unfiltered e.g. a real struggle you faced and how God met you there. Authenticity attracts the right friends and repels the fakes.

Quote: Those who are gullible online often have themselves to blame. 

Prophetic Decree: Every deceptive personality around you shall be exposed and disgraced, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus 

Lord, You see my heart even when others can’t. Help me value honesty over likes, wisdom over quick thrills, and real connection over fake profiles. Guide my clicks, my chats, and my choices today. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 19, Mark 10