Is it ever morally acceptable to lie to protect someone you love from a truth that would destroy them?

It depends on whether the truth serves them or just relieves your guilt. Most truth-telling is selfish.

Never. The truth always comes out. And when it does, you have lost both the truth AND the trust.

Look, There is a difference between lying and choosing when to share a difficult truth. Timing matters.

No. You do not get to decide what someone else can handle. That is not love, that is control.

Look, Sometimes yes. Not every truth needs to be spoken. Compassion is a form of wisdom.