Suspicion grows best in the dark.
When we’re hurt, when trust is fractured, when trauma has left its fingerprint on our souls, the temptation is to retreat. To circle the wagons. To pull back from people because people were the problem.
Isolation doesn’t just keep us “safe.” It breeds suspicion.
Suspicion whispers, “You can’t trust them. They’re out to get you. Better watch your back.” And soon, suspicion metastasizes into paranoia. Paranoia convinces us we’re discerning when, in fact, we’re simply afraid.
But the Bible tells a different story:
“For God gave us not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
—2 Timothy 1:7
Fear isolates. Love draws near.
Discernment is not suspicion. Discernment is Spirit-led clarity. And clarity grows best in community.
When we’re in community, we borrow each other’s eyes. We borrow each other’s faith. We lend courage, perspective, and hope.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
Suspicion makes us look sideways. Community teaches us to look upward.
When suspicion creeps in, don’t sit in the dark with it. Don’t let the whisper become your worldview. Bring it into the light. Call a trusted friend. Pray with your small group. Share the thought that’s been eating at you—and watch how quickly the power drains from it.
Discernment is a team sport.
And the only way to trade paranoia for peace… is to stop standing alone.