Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

If the truth were known, there’s a secret “detective spirit” in most of us. Thanks to the popularity of television detective series, we vicariously probe for motives, analyze the evidence, and ponder the villain’s next move. Our curiosity forces us to investigate things that are just slightly irregular.

Even a child is known to pry deeper because of a built-in bent to inquire. It often leads to danger, but nobody would deny that this inquisitive nature is proof of a keen (often creative) mind. As growth occurs, this desire to question and challenge increases...often exasperating lazy-minded adults and preoccupied parents. While I would agree that it can be overdone, I am nevertheless convinced that Curiosity and Challenge are the healthy twins in the Discernment family. They are dressed alike until they grow up and become more refined and distinct.

But there is a difference between the expressions of discernment and raw suspicion. One is a gift of the Spirit in our lives. The other flows out of a jaded spirit of mistrust. The difference may be veiled, but it is real. It lies in the realm of motive. Suspicion is the act of suspecting something wrong without proof or evidence. It is mistrust...doubt...skepticism...extreme or negative caution.

God prefers we view life and others around us with a genuine spirit of goodness. That we let our first thoughts be love and goodwill.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)

Our difficult past can cause us to automatically distrust others and lose faith in the goodness of others. Traffic in love today, especially as it relates to those around you. Leave everything else to the Lord. He knows everything anyway.

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.