Trust
Trust is giving others confidence in circumstances we don’t want to share with anyone else. In fact, we show faith in their integrity. And when they value our trust, we respect their character.
But when a breach of trust arises, we face a choice. How to respond to them?
My first instinct is to become angry. Or I go further and say hurtful words.
If I’m honest with myself, this reaction causes me more emotional discomfort than my intended purpose to cause them problems.
Why is that?
Because every time I rely on self to resolve distrust, the outcome doesn’t turn out as planned. I’m never satisfied with the results. No matter how much willpower I used to eradicate this unpleasant interaction, it doesn’t go away.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 ESV
So, what’s the solution?
Trusting in Christ.
A point often overlooked is the courage God gives to those who trust Christ.
Yes, when I place my faith in Jesus, the strength needed to move past the mistrust emerges. The first action in moving past the breach of trust is forgiveness. It’s amazing how significant a forgiving spirit is in Christ’s eyes (Matthew 6:14).
Once I’m able to forgive their trespass; the next step is giving them another opportunity in gaining my trust.
I can almost hear you thinking, why should I give them another chance.
God gives the most compelling evidence why we should. For example, He allows us to help in creating new life (Genesis 1:28). He shows His unwavering trust again when He spared Noah (Genesis 9:1).
With this in mind, God promises the following:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
As if that’s not enough, the Lord trusts us in Christ. Once He places us in Jesus’s care, then it becomes our responsibility to live according to His will.
I must take God’s trust and devote myself to Christ. It’s abiding in the Messiah that I’m able to continue extending my trust to others regardless the outcome. Remember everything is possible through Jesus.
Given these points, trust is a way to show others the inner-workings God does for His faithful believers. So, when others fail in trust, draw closer to Christ and discover this:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 ESV
