Restoring Trust In Your Marriage
Healing Broken Relationships
I once heard someone say, “Trust is the center of every healthy relationship.” I would actually say that it's impossible to have a healthy relationship with someone you don’t trust. Agree?
But what happens when you have a relationship in which trust has been broken? Is it possible to restore that trust and heal the relationship? I think so. But it’s definitely going to take some work.
In this blog post, we will explore practical steps and insightful Bible verses that can help restore trust and foster reconciliation in a relationship.
1. Acknowledge the Brokenness:
The first step towards healing a broken relationship is acknowledging the brokenness. It is crucial to honestly confront the issues that caused the trust to be broken and take responsibility for one's actions. The Bible encourages us to be honest and transparent about our shortcomings:
- Proverbs 28:13 (NIV) - "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
If you are the person who has done something to violate the trust, you’re going to have to be open and honest about what you’ve done. Whether intentional or not, your actions may be what has caused the relationship to suffer.
2. Seek Forgiveness or Forgive:
To rebuild trust, seeking forgiveness is essential. When trust is broken, it often causes deep pain and wounds in the hearts of those affected. The Bible teaches us the importance of seeking forgiveness and extending grace to others:
- Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
If you are the person who has been hurt, you need to realize that it will take true forgiveness to move forward, rebuilding trust in your relationship. If you’re not sure where to start, check out the website for Forgiving Forward and consider taking their course on forgiveness.
3. Rebuild Communication:
Open and honest communication is vital for rebuilding trust. Take time to listen to the concerns and emotions of the hurt person. The Bible emphasizes the significance of thoughtful communication:
- Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Make sure to check out this resource on our marriage page: 6 Obstacles to Effective Communication in Marriage
4. Demonstrate Consistency:
Consistency in actions and words is essential to rebuild trust. It is through consistent behavior over time that trust can be reestablished. The Bible encourages us to be steadfast and reliable:
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Trust isn’t earned overnight. Both of you should expect it to take some time to get back to where you were before things took the wrong turn.
Imagine that you place an empty glass under a dripping faucet. It can take quite a while for that glass to fill, one drop at a time. But once it’s full, it can be tipped and emptied in a matter of a second. That’s the way trust works. It takes time to build. And when it’s been violated, trust takes time to be regained.
5. Practice Patience:
Rebuilding trust takes time and patience. It is important to allow the wounded party to heal at their own pace and not rush the process. Patience is a virtue that the Bible teaches us to cultivate:
- Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Restoring a relationship when trust has been broken is not an easy task, but with faith, effort, and the guidance of the Bible, it is possible to heal and rebuild what was lost.
Remember, each relationship is unique, and the journey to restoration may vary. However, the timeless wisdom found in the Bible can serve as a guiding light, providing the principles and teachings necessary for rebuilding trust and healing broken bonds. Trust the process, have faith, and allow God's love and grace to work in your relationship, knowing that with Him, all things are possible.
May the verses and principles shared in this blog post inspire and empower you to embark on a journey of restoration, forgiveness, and healing in your relationships. Trust in God's plan, be open to change, and always approach the process with love, compassion, and humility. With God's help, trust can be rebuilt, and relationships can be restored.