3 Times I mistook Deception For Love.

   

 Sometimes love doesn’t come wrapped in truth, it comes dressed in sweet lies, gentle words, and faces we trust too quickly. I wrote this piece from the depths of my own experiences, where I learned that not everyone who listens cares, and not every “I’ve got your back” means loyalty. These are three moments I mistook deception for love and how they shaped my heart and faith.

  Hi Readers, 

    I am sharing this piece because I have walked through this path, and as I write this, I am reminded of how far I have come and how much life has taught me. Through it all, I am grateful for one thing, my knowledge and the spirit of discernment that comes only from God. Those gifts have kept me grounded and guided, helping me walk through life with more wisdom and peace.

    I remember the days I mistook deception for love. I confided in someone I called a friend, told her my pains and worries, thinking I was laying down my burdens. She played the perfect role of a listener, calm, understanding, and supportive. I thought I had found a safe space and a confidant. Little did I know she was using my stories to gain favor in the eyes of the same people who once misunderstood me.

   The day I found out, I remembered what the Scripture says: “Cast your burdens on the Lord.” Not on a human.

And I also remembered a small proverb I once made up myself:

  “A problem shared is a problem that will be heard by all.”

    It hurt deeply, but it taught me something I’ll never forget, some people will use your pain to polish their own image.

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   There was another time when I thought I had people who truly understood me, friends who would hear my side of the story before judging. But when accusations came, none of them stood by me. They didn’t ask questions. They just believed what they heard.

That was the day I learned something painful but true:

   A person who genuinely loves you will listen to your story too.

   When one mistake is all it takes for everyone to pounce on you, it means they’ve been waiting for the chance to. It broke me, but I’m always thankful that God never lets me stay blind for too long. He reveals hearts, especially when mine loves too deeply.

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    And then, there were those I helped when they needed it most, emotionally, even financially, though I didn’t have much myself. But when it was my turn to need help, they had excuses ready.

   I think of the people I once called family who promised to always have my back but turned away when they began to feel they had “outgrown” me. Those memories sting, but they remind me to guard my heart wisely.

So, I am putting this out here for anyone who might be on the same path I once walked.

People may not always be consistent with their presence in your life. They may not mean every promise they make. This is your gentle cue:

Keep your heart guarded. Don’t overshare. Don’t put too much trust in people too soon.

Your best confidant is God.

And sometimes, your safest circle is your family, your parents, your siblings, or that one person who has stood the test of time with you.

Maybe this is your story too. Maybe you’re just now realizing what I once had to learn the hard way.

If so, I hope this piece finds you at the right time, to remind you that love should be sincere, friendship should be pure, and peace is too precious to trade for pretense.

   Wishing you love that is honest, friendships that stay true, and a heart that keeps discerning.

          ©️ HerMixedMuse 

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