Trust is Easily Destroyed

Trust is Easily Destroyed

You are a good and trustworthy servant.

You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount.

Come and join in your master’s happiness!

Matthew 25:21 CJB

Sara,[1] a fellow single mom from my church, and I spent hours talking, laughing and having fun. Whispering secrets, we confided everything to each other. We were inseparable. However, gradually little concerns began to surface, such as a snide remark about my ministry, or a disparaging observation about what I was wearing. At first, I overlooked the comments and forgave her.

One day when we were choosing a movie to watch with our children, she commented to my boys, “Oh, we can’t watch that, because your mom is such a ‘goodie-two-shoes.’” Ouch.

The next week, she offered to lead the Bible study I normally led, because my throat was hoarse. I accepted her offer, knowing I couldn’t talk and the group of single parents depended on this time for fellowship and encouragement. Sara boldly began the meeting saying, “Gaylyn wanted me to talk about ___, but I thought that was a dumb idea, so I decided we are going to do ___.” Ouch again!

After trying to talk to her about what was going on, she brought up stories of all the times she perceived that people liked me better than her. She was jealous. Nothing I could say helped. Shortly after that, I heard from other friends how she was slandering me, turning mutual friends against me. When I confronted her, she denied it. I had to forgive her, but then back away from the relationship because she was damaging my reputation. Trust was destroyed.

Reflect

Trust can be damaged in many ways. As you start this study, reflect on these questions:

1. Can you remember a time when someone betrayed your trust?
2. What feelings did you have?
3. What happened to your relationship?
4. Was your trust ever completely restored?
5. How do you feel now, as you remember it?
6. Now consider: When have you tried to build trust with someone else, but didn’t do it out of a godly character? What was the result?
7. Remember a time someone else needed to trust you, but you didn’t act in a trustworthy manner. How do you think the other person felt? How would you have felt if you were in his place?

This blog is excerpted from God’s Design for Community. It is filled with powerful, biblical principles that will empower you to transform all your relationships and communities. You can also get it as an online course.

© 2019 Relationship Resources, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

[1] Her name has been changed.