Communicate: Deception, Manipulation, and Spiritual Warfare

Unlike God, who speaks to His people through divine revelation, the Holy Spirit, and the Church, demons communicate through deception, manipulation, and distortion. Their goal is to sow confusion, instill fear, and separate souls from God.

Jesus Himself describes Satan as 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." (John 8:44)

Unlike angels, who enlighten the intellect, demons work by corrupting human perception, twisting reality, and leading souls into sin. Understanding their methods helps us guard against their influence and stand firm in the truth of Christ.

One of the most dangerous misconceptions is the belief that demons can read minds. Only God knows the secret thoughts of the heart:

"The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

While demons cannot directly access our inner thoughts, they are expert observers of human behavior. Because they: 

Exist outside of time – They remember every detail of human history. 

Have superior intelligence – They can predict likely thoughts and actions based on patterns. Observe body language and emotions – They notice nervousness, fear, anger, or desire and use it to their advantage.

By analyzing external cues, demons can guess what a person is thinking and then manipulate circumstances to lead them into temptation or despair.

• They watch for weaknesses (past sins, addictions, fears).
• They plant sinful suggestions when a person is vulnerable.
• They whisper lies that seem like personal thoughts (e.g., "You’ll never be forgiven," "You are worthless").

St. Ignatius of Loyola warns:

"The devil works most effectively when he sees a soul disheartened, for then he has complete access to tempt, deceive, and ruin."

While demons cannot read minds, they actively seek direct communication with humans through forbidden spiritual practices.

God strictly forbids any attempt to communicate with spirits outside of divine revelation:

"Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

Despite these warnings, many people unknowingly open themselves to demonic influence through occult activities such as:

• Tarot cards, palm readings, astrology, pendulums.
• These provide false knowledge, leading people away from God’s plan.
• The demons behind these practices give partial truths to gain trust, then deceive.

• These open direct channels for demonic influence.
• People think they are speaking to spirits of the dead, but demons often impersonate the deceased.
• Many possessions and severe oppressions start with these practices.

Biblical Example:

• King Saul sought a medium, and instead of reaching Samuel’s spirit, he opened himself to destruction (1 Samuel 28:7-20).

• Casting spells, love potions, or hexes invites demons into a person’s life.
• Any attempt to control spiritual forces outside of God is demonic in nature.
• Galatians 5:19-21 lists sorcery as a work of the flesh that leads to damnation.

St. Paul warns:

"Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Many people believe that some occult practices are "harmless" or "just for fun," but they are all designed to pull people into demonic bondage. Even if a person does not feel immediate danger, opening these doors gives demons legal access to influence them.

Satan’s greatest tool is deception. His very name, Diabolos, means "the deceiver."

Common Lies of Demons:

1. Lies About God – "God doesn’t care about you." "Your sins are too great to be forgiven."
2. Lies About Identity – "You are worthless." "You will never change."
3. Lies About Sin – "This isn’t a big deal." "Everyone else does it."
4. Lies About Time – "You can repent later." "You don’t have time to pray."

By distorting reality, demons cause people to:

• Doubt God’s love and mercy
• Give in to fear, anxiety, and despair
• Justify sin and delay repentance

Jesus calls Satan "a murderer from the beginning" because his lies kill faith, hope, and the soul itself (John 8:44).

Use Scripture – Jesus countered every lie of Satan with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). Reject Negative Thoughts – If a thought brings fear, despair, or temptation, it is not from God. 

Surround Yourself with Truth – Frequent prayer, the sacraments, and Christian fellowship strengthen resistance.

Demons communicate through deception, manipulation, and occult practices. Their influence is subtle but deadly, working through:

• Observing human weaknesses and planting sinful suggestions.
• Encouraging communication through divination and spiritism.
• Spreading lies that distort faith, identity, and morality.

But we are not powerless!

James 4:7 gives us the key to victory:

"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Through faith, prayer, and the power of Jesus Christ, we can recognize demonic tactics and reject their influence. The victory has already been won—Christ has triumphed over Satan, and those who stand in His truth will never be overcome.

Let us remain vigilant, firm in faith, and armed with the truth, knowing that light always conquers darkness!