Love always trusts. This is one of the essential qualities of love according to 1 Corinthians 13:7. But what does it really mean for love to always trust? Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this phrase.
The Context of 1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 13 has been called the “love chapter” of the Bible. It describes what true, godly love looks like in action. The chapter emphasizes that spiritual gifts and good deeds are meaningless without love.
In verses 4-7, several key qualities of love are listed:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Each of these qualities reveals an important aspect of real, biblical love. The statement that “love always trusts” is nestled within this beautiful description, reminding us that a key feature of love is that it always trusts.
The Meaning of “Love Always Trusts”
Trust is an essential component of any healthy relationship. To trust someone means to have confidence in their reliability, integrity, and character. It means we believe they have our best interests at heart.
When the Bible says that love “always trusts,” it means that true love has an attitude of trust at all times. This includes:
1. Trusting in God
Firstly, loving God means trusting Him wholeheartedly. We trust in His goodness, wisdom, faithfulness, and sovereign control over all things. This is the foundation for all other types of trust. As 1 John 4:16 (ESV) says, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.” Knowing God’s perfect love leads us to trust Him.
2. Trusting Others
Love also believes the best about others. Rather than being suspicious, love gives people the benefit of the doubt (1 Corinthians 13:7). Of course, this does not mean we should be gullible. We are to exercise wisdom. But a spirit of trust, not cynicism or judgment, should mark our relationships.
3. Being Trustworthy
Additionally, living a life of love means being trustworthy people ourselves. We keep promises, maintain confidentiality, and follow through on commitments. As Proverbs 11:13 (ESV) notes, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” Love does not betray trusted information.
4. Trusting God’s Work in Others
Love trusts that God is at work in other people. We know that following Jesus is a lifelong journey. While encouraging growth, love is patient with imperfections as God continues His work in a person. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV) declares, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” Love trusts in God’s faithfulness.
5. Trusting God’s Plan
No matter what we face in life, love trusts that God has a purpose and plan for it all. Even amid pain, we trust that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). This does not mean pretending to enjoy hardships. But it means anchoring our hearts in God’s wise, loving sovereignty.
Why Must Love Always Trust?
Trust is essential to love because it protects the relationship and provides a firm foundation. Consider why consistent trust is so crucial:
1. Lack of Trust Destroys Intimacy
Relationships cannot be vulnerable, open, and connected without mutual trust. Suspicion and doubt create distance. On the other hand, the ability to trust makes deeper intimacy possible. We are able to be raw, authentic, and completely ourselves when trust is present.
2. Trust Allows Relationships to Develop
Additionally, trust enables relationships to deepen over time. No relationship springs up fully formed overnight. Trust gives the space for bonds to gradually strengthen. As trust builds, the relationship grows richer.
3. Trust Protects the Relationship
Trust also protects the relationship from misunderstandings and offense. When trust is present, small squabbles or conflicts don’t threaten the entire relationship. We move through them with grace, believing the best about each other.
4. Trust Prevents Harm
Moreover, trust prevents us from harming a relationship through suspicion, accusation, and blame. These tear down intimacy. But love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5), covering offenses through trust.
5. Trust Creates Security
When love trusts consistently, relationships feel predictably secure. We don’t anxiously await the “other shoe to drop” when problems arise. This security provides comfort and confidence as we walk through life together.
6. Trust Shows Maturity
Additionally, the ability to always trust displays great maturity and strength of character. It takes personal security in who we are in Christ not to be shaken by others’ flaws. Trust reflects the sanctifying work of God’s Spirit.
7. Trust Initiates Reconciliation
Finally, trusting love paves the way for reconciliation when wronged. Instead of retaliating, love absorbs the hurt and makes the first move to restore the relationship. This reflects Christ’s reconciling love shown to us.
How Can We Develop the Habit of Always Trusting?
Since constant trust does not come naturally to most of us, how can we grow in this area? Consider several tips:
1. Examine Your Heart
Ask God to reveal areas where you are prone to distrust. Do certain circumstances, personality types, or situations tempt you not to trust? Bring these before God, asking Him to transform you.
2. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Regularly reflect on examples of God’s trustworthiness in your life. Recall specific situations where He has proven completely faithful even when you were not. Thank Him for this.
3. Spend Time Meditating on Scripture
God’s Word powerfully reminds us of His trustworthy nature. Verses like Deuteronomy 7:9 speak of God keeping “his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Meditating on such passages builds our trust.
4. Confess Your Sins of Distrust
When you catch yourself not trusting God or others, immediately confess this as sin. Repent, asking the Holy Spirit to fill you instead with supernatural trust.
5. Make Trust a Matter of Prayer
Regularly ask God to help you become a more trusting person. Pray for trust in specific situations or relationships. Be open about your struggle to trust constantly.
6. Take Thoughts of Distrust Captive
When doubting or suspicious thoughts creep in, take them captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Counter them with truth from God’s Word about His trustworthy nature and redeeming grace.
7. Focus on Christ’s Love
The more you meditate on Christ’s sacrificial love shown to you, the more this will shape you into a trusting person. Keep your eyes fixed on His love.
8. Be Trustworthy
Set the example of trustworthiness in your own behavior. Let others experience what it is to have someone believe the best and be completely dependable. Your life will preach.
9. Give People the Benefit of the Doubt
Instead of assuming the worst about others’ motives and actions, choose to believe the best until you have facts proving otherwise. Love “is not easily angered” and “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5).
10. Release Your Right to Judge
Realize that judgment belongs to God alone, not you. Choose to release people into His gracious hands instead of demanding perfection. Watch how this grows your capacity to trust.
What Are the Benefits of Always Trusting?
While developing a habit of constant trust is challenging, the blessings associated with it are tremendous. Some benefits include:
1. Deeper Connection with God
As you learn to trust God more fully, you will develop a more intimate relationship with Him. You’ll know His love and faithfulness in a profound way.
2. Freedom from Anxiety
Choosing to trust God’s purpose and sovereignty frees us from paralyzing anxiety about the future. We can rest knowing He is in control.
3. Richer Relationships
Your relationships will also deepen and enrich as you become a more trusting friend, spouse, family member, coworker, etc. Healthy bonds blossom.
4. Greater Capacity to Show Grace
Moreover, you’ll develop an increased capacity to extend grace to others. Being quick to forgive and not judge comes more naturally.
5. Confidence in Difficult Situations
Even when facing trials, you’ll have bold confidence that God will bring good from the situation. You’ll cling to hope instead of despairing.
6. Transformation into Christ’s Likeness
As you grow in always trusting, you’ll become more like Jesus. The Spirit shapes you to reflect His trusting nature.
7. Powerful Witness to the World
Your example of constant faith will be a powerful witness, providing unbelievers a glimpse of God’s transforming love. Your life will point people to Christ.
In Summary…
What does it mean that “love always trusts”? In short, it means keeping an attitude of trust in all circumstances and relationships. This includes trusting God, others, and God’s purpose and plan. It means being a trustworthy person ourselves.
Developing true, constant trust requires intentionally rooting out distrust from our hearts through prayer and Scripture meditation. But the rewards are incredibly rich. As we grow in always trusting, our lives come to reflect Jesus Christ’s perfect love and mirror it to others. By God’s grace, love always trusts.
