Lies often begin as an attempt to avoid pain—whether it’s a small exaggeration meant to spare feelings or a major deception that shakes a relationship to its core. But this devotional reminds us that while lies promise comfort, they ultimately deliver harm. Deceit doesn’t just damage the relationship between two people; it also erodes the integrity of the one who lies and creates a ripple effect of distrust that can last far beyond the original betrayal.

And even when forgiveness is present, healing is not always immediate. Forgiving someone doesn’t automatically erase the consequences of what happened, and it doesn’t require us to pretend we weren’t hurt. In fact, it’s natural to protect ourselves after trust is broken. But one of the painful realities this devotional highlights is how easily we can carry that hurt forward—projecting distrust onto new people who haven’t done anything wrong. This is where “the truth hurts”: truth asks us not to remain closed off forever, but to live with a heart that’s willing to love again.

Trusting again doesn’t mean ignoring red flags or throwing caution to the wind. It means letting God heal what was broken so we aren’t trapped by bitterness or fear. It means allowing discernment to guide us while keeping our hearts open enough to receive the blessings God still wants to bring—new friendships, restored hope, and even new love. The devotional encourages us to remember that God never wastes brokenness. He shines through it, heals it, and can rebuild what feels shattered. When we place our confidence in Him, we can move forward with courage, believing that God is still writing fruit-bearing chapters ahead.

Main Takeaways

• Lies may feel protective in the moment, but they ultimately damage trust and relationships.

• Forgiveness doesn’t erase the reality of hurt, and healing takes time.

• It’s easy to project distrust onto new people after betrayal, but truth calls us to trust wisely again.

• Discernment matters—open-hearted trust is not the same as ignoring red flags.

• God can redeem brokenness and lead you into relationships and blessings that bear fruit.

Today’s Bible Verse: Jeremiah 17:7–8

Your Daily Prayer

Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer:

“Father, thank you for being a God we can trust. Your loving faithfulness has proven itself over and over.”

You can read the full prayer and devotional at the links below.

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