I have met individuals who emanate pride or fear, or evil. The immediate reaction is to back away and not trust the person. I have met others who are overwhelmingly kind, friendly and personal who later cause much division and strife among friends, coworkers and church members.
Paul warns Timothy,"The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden" (1 Timothy 5:24-25, 5:22).
Does this mean we trust no one? No. It does mean we need to deal honestly and without favoritism with all persons, so that regardless of the other person's motives we walk worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12 ). Trust is not automatic. It is an earned privilege. Like glass it is easily broken and difficult to repair.
