We Can Trust God...What about Others?

Disappointment is unavoidable when an apology isn’t forthcoming from someone you’ve trusted but has caused you pain and suffering. Withholding trust for a person who does not honor personal boundaries, who betrays commitments, is both normal and necessary. Trust and confidence flourish or decline, based on behaviors and personalities.

Trust is a complex word, in that it connotes confidence and faith as well as beliefs and values. To dishonor boundaries is indicative of betrayal, and it questions whether trust can be continued or ever regained. To continue to trust after continuous betrayals is dangerous to one’s health and well-being.

          While trust is not easily regained, it’s important to communicate a willingness to do so wherever promises and efforts exist to change negative behaviors and attitudes that would promote distrust. God is patient with us as we struggle to mature and become more like Christ Jesus. To bring glory to God by fulfilling his purposes for us is a goal worthy of all our efforts. 

Waiting for Trust to Return

Relationships survive and thrive on love, trust, and respect. Someone said, "I love him, but I can't trust him." Or, "I love her, but I've lost respect for her." Trust and respect can be rebuilt when each person is patient and honest enough for change and healing to evolve. Patience depends on basic love to endure the hardships of waiting.

When trust has been destroyed, trust for a person may not return, even after forgiveness has taken place.  While forgiveness is a crucial step in restoring trust, it doesn't mean a person is ready or willing to trust again. You may want to trust, wish you could, but find it difficult to rise to the occasion.

Human nature forces us to wait and see if a person is trustworthy. Letting down your guard and gradually beginning to trust again depends on the assurance of safety. Basic love provides hope for a return to trust. Romans 12:12 instructs us to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." These three are necessary for rebuilding a relationship.