Trusting others is almost inseparable from loving others Im not buying that. There are people I love but would not trust. If fact, there are several who fit into that category. For an intimate relationship trust is paramount but not for loving someone. Jesus commands us to love our enemy, not trust them. This is why my fallback position is that I will trust in the word of the Lord, rather than the words of men! His revelations and not the revelations of men! Indeed relational trust is at times crucial while not always compatible! Often times those often get blurred! TR I love my mother and I trust her. I do realize that she has a sin nature and could betray that trust. However, I also know that she is born again and has been sealed with the Holy Spirit. If she did betray my trust, the Holy Spirit would convict her. Therefore, I don't have a problem trusting her. Why? Because God resides in her. I trust God that He'll help mend fences when necessary. If we have a "I don't trust anyone but Jesus" mindset, that'll make us paranoid and always suspicious. We might as well go live in a cave and sleep with one eye open. :wacko: Sadly, I actually know people like this and they are absolutely miserable. As for unbelievers, I have neighbors that are. I trust them enough to leave a house key with them (if there is an emergency) when I go on vacation. I don't lose any sleep at night on my vacation knowing that they could potentially burglarize my house. Now, would I trust a person off the street that I don't know with my house key? Nope. Why? I don't have a relationship with them. I have built up a relationship of trust with them as we have been neighbours for 10 years. I have a friend whom I love yet he is irresponsible. To trust him would be foolish. The Bible tells us to use discernment. May good Christians have trusted many charlatans and have been taken to the cleaners. Blind trust does not equal love. True intimacy can only be achieved through honesty and trust... Trust is necessary in any number of human relationships, and especially for the healthy functioning of the family of Christ. ....and I would add built upon meaningful communication. 
