Today, we’re tackling a deep and often overlooked question: What’s the difference between love and trust? We know love is a command from God, but trust—well, that’s a different story. We’re called to love everyone, but does that mean we should trust everyone? And what happens when trust is broken? Let’s dive into God’s Word and explore how love and trust work together.
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” — 1 Corinthians 13:7
Reflect on how love and trust play out in your own relationships and faith.
Love is given, trust is earned
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” — 1 John 4:8
It is true that we are to love as it is a command from God; it’s something we extend to others no matter what. But trust takes time and effort. There is a phrase that actions speak louder than words, and I think that applies to learning to trust someone.
Love others freely, but be wise about who you trust with your heart, time, and decisions.
We often say yes to so many things, but we don’t have to. The same applies to being wise about who we are and who we trust. We know not to spill everything about ourselves to someone we just met, and that is wise.
We need to be careful not to confuse loving others, as God intends, with trusting others.
The best way to stay on track is to ask God to give us wisdom and discernment in all our relationships.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
Trusting God Even When It’s Hard
Sometimes we can translate our hurt from people to God. But God is God, and unlike people, He is always trustworthy. Trusting God doesn’t mean we’ll always understand what He’s doing.
This can be a hard concept because of how we are wired. We often think that because of A and B, we can trust that C will happen. With God, we may know A but not B, and therefore, we don’t know C. But because we trust God, we don’t worry about the missing pieces—we just know that with Him, all things are good.
When facing uncertainty, remind yourself of a time when God was faithful.
What area of your life do you need to trust God with more?
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” — Proverbs 25:28
When trust is broken, we can feel a little out of control because what we thought we trusted is no longer reliable. This scripture gives us a visual of how we can function while still being broken and in need of restoration.
Broken trust is painful, but God can heal relationships.
Sometimes, wisdom means setting boundaries while still loving others. Boundaries are necessary because they protect not only ourselves but also our relationships. The ability to understand what you need and set limits is healthy.
If someone has broken your trust, seek God’s guidance on whether to rebuild or set healthy boundaries.
How have you handled broken trust in the past?
Love without trust—is it possible? Jesus loved, but He didn’t trust everyone. This is in the Scriptures, and it’s a hard pill to swallow. John 2:24 says, “But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature.”
One story I read to help bridge this understanding gap was about a son asking his father if he trusted him with something. The father said no. The son was hurt, but then the father explained, "I love you, but I do not trust you because we are all imperfect and we make mistakes. But my love for you outweighs that, so hold on to that more than anything else."
Jesus loved everyone but was wise about whom He trusted. He understood human nature and set boundaries within Himself. He knew that some people had wrong motives. Pray for discernment in knowing who to trust.
Have you ever trusted someone too quickly?
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.” — Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness doesn’t always mean rebuilding trust. We are called to forgive, but that doesn’t mean trust is instantly restored.
It is important to forgive both mentally and spiritually. When we learn this, we will find it easier to forgive because we understand that forgiveness and trust are not necessarily connected.
Forgiveness is a choice; rebuilding trust is a process.
If you’re struggling to forgive, pray for the strength to release bitterness.
Is there someone you need to forgive today?
When we struggle to trust God, we can find ourselves feeling lost.
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!” — Psalm 42:5
Sometimes, our past wounds make it hard to trust even God. When we carry pain and distrust from one relationship to another, we can block what God might have for us. We need to be discerning in our feelings and not attach them to something we don’t need to.
God understands our doubts and invites us to bring them to Him. He accepts us as we are.
Have you been hesitant to trust God with something in your life?
Finding the right balance
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” — Psalm 118:8
Trusting people without idolizing them—people are flawed, but God is always faithful.
When I was a stay-at-home mom, I once put my husband on a pedestal. I didn’t have much adult interaction, so I attached all my needs and wants to him. That was a rough time because I was placing expectations on a person that I shouldn’t have. God showed me this error and helped me fix it. Not only was it good for me, but it was also good for my relationship with my husband.
We should never place our full trust in people the way we trust God.
If someone lets you down, take it to God instead of holding onto bitterness.
Do you ever put too much trust in people instead of God?
Rebuilding trust the right way
“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” — Psalm 103:8
Rebuilding trust takes time, honesty, and effort.
God is patient with us, and we should strive to be patient with others.
Often, I find myself speaking and acting out of my humanity rather than being patient. If someone breaks my trust, I instinctively want little to do with them. But in that mindset, I’m not being merciful and loving as Jesus teaches. If you’re rebuilding trust, focus on actions, not just words, and seek the Lord in every step of the process.
Have you ever had to rebuild trust with someone? What helped?
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” — Matthew 10:16
Living in love while walking in wisdom. We will encounter many people and situations, and we need to love others while being wise in each decision. Each day is filled with choices, and asking God for guidance helps us follow Him and love others along the way.
We are called to love freely, but be wise about whom we trust.
Biblical love isn’t naïve—it’s discerning and grounded in truth.
Love is given freely because God commands it, but trust is something that is built and, at times, broken. We are called to love everyone, but that doesn’t mean we trust everyone blindly.
If you’ve been hurt and struggle to trust, remember that God is always trustworthy. And if you’re working to rebuild trust with someone, lean on God’s wisdom. Love and trust are powerful, but they must be used wisely.
We are called to love and trust like Jesus too—with wisdom and discernment.
Walk in love, trust in God, and use wisdom in all your relationships.