theholtsite

I just finished reading The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky this week. It was a bit hard to follow for me because of all the characters. It was written in the 1800’s, but I was proud to make it through and enjoyed it.

The main character, Prince Myshkin (AKA the Idiot), is a neat character. He’s gullible, far too trusting, naïve, and never suspects evil of anyone unless it’s thrown in his face. He’s really very smart, intellectual, and perceptive. People are attracted to him because he genuinely cares about them without being suspicious or manipulative. He’s always ready to see the good in people and to praise instead of criticize. Getting to know Myshkin (who has been cited as a Christ-like figure) made me think of the verses about love in 1 Corinthians:

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” -1Cor 13:7

That’s part of a longer, well-known section about love that is read at many weddings.

So last night in church I brought up the question: What does “always trusts” mean? If we are supposed to love our neighbors, does that mean that we have to trust them, even if they prove themselves un-trustworthy? Does it mean just generally giving people the benefit of the doubt when we are suspicious? What about when people take advantage of us or abuse us? I don’t know the answer yet, I’ve been pondering it for a couple days and comparing it against what wise people say and other verses I know.

Prince Myshkin spent a lot of time with children, and is in some ways very similar to a child. A child loves unconditionally and can’t even fathom that those he loves could do anything wrong or betray them. Even after something bad is done to them, they readily forgive and are ready to trust again. Are we, like little children, supposed to do the same?