In times when we are separated from each other like we are now, the spirit of suspicion works overtime. The goal of this spirit is to divide people and destroy relationships. Long after the destruction has taken place and the sorrow of those choices is felt, those with hearts aligned with the heart of God will regret ever following the first seductive whispers of suspicion.

Paul instructed Timothy of what can happen when hell is trying to create division by teaching or speaking things that are not true. “This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth” (I Timothy 6: 4-5).

The word “suspicions” in this text is translated “to surmise.” To surmise means to make a judgment about someone or something without sufficient evidence.  The spirit of suspicion leads us then to surmise things we would not rationally entertain if we were living under the influence of the Spirit of God, not a spirit of suspicion.

To allow suspicion to entertain false evidence about someone and therefore make judgments about that person and then share that judgment with others is to bear a false witness. This is one of the Ten Commandments – a list provided by the Lord to define the most grievous violations of love.