Love Trusts

Love believes, never stops believing, this form of love comes from a sincere faith that is focused on Christ so we are trusting, not because the other person deserves it, but because Christ does. Love is not meant to fulfill our own needs; rather, it is a gift of grace by faith. It allows us not to be tied to what others do for or have done for us! We can be supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. We trust in Christ and have the faith and confidence to let His love flow in and through us to others so we can trust them without expecting anything back. Thus, we will not jump to conclusions, be cynical, or be suspicious, on the ready to denounce. Faith that is not powered by Christ, but practiced by our worldly “trust” is useless, false, dead, and even demonic! This passage is about how we are to live when we trust in our Lord (Psalm 37:23; John 13:1; 15: 3,13; Rom. 3:24; 5:1-5; 9:3; 14:23; 1 Cor. 9:22; 16:14; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 4:9-10; 5:8-18; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 11:6; 1 John 5:12).

Love is continual as it holds the redemptive plan of our Lord and uses us to display His grace. So, we can believe in the best of others and have patience and respect to allow for mistakes and setbacks even when something goes wrong. This is where we get “innocent until proven guilty!” This is the faith aspect of love that believes and accepts our Lord’s precepts including His model of a sacrificial love. It makes room for others to grow and mature. This does not mean we are to be gullible or foolhardy or take mistreatment or exploitation because this is not detached from God’s other precepts of wisdom and discernment. It does not say we are to remain in an abusive situation; rather, believe the best in others until proven otherwise (Prov. 14:15; Rom. 5:5; 1 Pet. 4:8).

We cannot have a good relationship with God if not with one another, or vice versa. Every human has a conscience to know what is good or bad, but not all know God! This is why God does not want us to be controlled by the past or to be fearful or cowardly. Rather, we are to learn from our experiences and grow from them, but not be tied to them so they become our identity. We have been born again in Christ; our old life is old, and it is no longer who we are. Thus, we are to grow closer to Him and be an example to others who are still in the old life without allowing them to influence and entice us. Our focus needs to be what is going on now, what God is doing, and how we can contribute to it—not just what can I get, but what can I learn and gain to be better for His glory? Take comfort; God does indeed have a plan for you even when you cannot see it. His will for your growth in Him is clear! He wants you to be faithful and good so others can see in you a demonstration model for the new life that they can have too. He gives you the ability, the power, and the strength to endure and to enjoy (Gal. 6:7)! The most important aspect is for us to keep our eyes focused on Christ, with racehorse blinders on to block off the rest.

How have you expected or even demanded that others first meet your needs and what you want in order for you to love then back? (Keep in mind we all do at some level; it is always a struggle and a journey to develop real continual love and to trust others.)

How do you display the wonder of His love and grace in your daily life? How do you react when someone at school or work hurts you?

What does it mean to you that you have everything for fulfillment from Christ, or at least you should? Do you trust Him for your love and your ability to give and receive love? If not, why not?