I write about Stuff

“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” — Romans 16:17–18 (NLT)

We live in a world that thrives on suspicion. Headlines are crafted to provoke outrage. Social media rewards the quickest, sharpest judgment. Rumours spread faster than truth, and people’s reputations can be damaged long before facts ever surface. It’s no wonder so many carry wounds from being misunderstood, misrepresented, or unfairly judged.

This culture of instant conclusions can seep into our relationships too. Without even realising it, we can start assuming the worst about others — filling in gaps with negativity, interpreting actions through a lens of suspicion, or passing along stories we haven’t checked. And the harm multiplies. Proverbs reminds us that God hates “a false witness who pours out lies” and “a person who sows discord.” Not because God is harsh, but because these things tear people apart.

Paul warns the early church about this very dynamic. Some people use smooth words to stir division, and when we join in — even unintentionally — we become part of the fracture. But God invites us to a different way: a way of love, patience, and generosity of spirit.

Jesus said, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” That isn’t a vague sentiment; it’s a call to tangible action. One of the most practical expressions of that love is choosing to believe the best about others. Paul describes love as something that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things.” That doesn’t mean ignoring harmful behaviour or pretending everything is fine. It means resisting the urge to assume the worst. It means giving people room to explain. It means letting kindness shape our first response.

Believing the best doesn’t make us naïve — it makes us hopeful. It opens the door to deeper trust, healthier relationships, and more honest conversations. And sometimes, when we treat someone with that kind of grace, they rise to meet it. Hebrews encourages us to “think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Believing the best is one of those ways.

Imagine what could change in our communities, families, and friendships if we led with compassion instead of suspicion. Imagine the healing that could begin if we paused before passing judgment. Imagine the freedom someone might feel if they knew they didn’t have to defend themselves against assumptions.

Choosing to believe the best is an act of love — and love always builds, never tears down.

And what will you do now?

What would it look like for you to lead with kindness and assume the best about someone this week?