Trust – Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person. (KJV Dictionary)
I love the definition of trust from the KJV Dictionary because it covers the spectrum of giving trust to someone in human relationships. Trust as with love is a relational foundation. The heart cannot take the risk to love without trust. Trust creates an environment where worry and insecurity cannot dwell. What helped me learn to trust was first learning how to trust the one who love me most, God. Once I began putting my trust in Him, I became wiser in trusting others. This scripture from the book of wisdom sums it up, Proverbs 3:4-5 If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely…
I do know and understand how being in wrong relationships can jade a person and cause them to be guarded. I also understand that it takes time and work on our parts to do the work to heal our broken hearts so when love presents itself again we are wiser in our choices and willing and able to take the intelligent risk not only to love again but to trust that someone means us good. It takes discernment to see beyond what you see in a person and what they say. This is crucial when making the decision to trust. Never go against your gut instinct when it is telling you something is not right with someone. Take care with your heart. This is not about throwing caution to the wind. Trust creates a safe landing place for the heart. Let’s look at the definition one piece at a time:
o Confidence – The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
o Reliance – Confident or trustful dependence
o Resting of the mind – Being relaxed in thought, not anxious
o Integrity – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
o Veracity – Habitual observance of truth in speech or statement; truthfulness
o Justice – A concern for justice, peace, and genuine respect for people
o Friendship – A relationship of mutual affection between people
All of the above words are necessary for trust to be established and solidified. To begin to build trust takes time and requires patience with the process of relationships (See my second article in this series to go into detail about Stages of Relationships). Once someone places trust in you and you place trust in someone, honor and value that. When trust is rooted and established it brings confidence with it. Whether trusting God and people. Isaiah 30:15 makes that point; For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel has said this, “In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, In quietness and confident trust is your strength.” There is an assurance that shows you, you can rely on the one trusted and it brings a quietness that brings a resting of the mind. Integrity is the cornerstone for truth and honesty. There is a level of integrity that comes with trust and a veracity for honest and open communication. The bond of trust creates vulnerability; a genuine care and concern, respect for the one loved, that’s extending justice for their well-being. Once trust is given and deeply rooted in the relationship there’s a friendship developed and a bond not easily broken. You have moved beyond the superficial. There have to be trust for any relationship to thrive. Know without trust there is no relationship, because trust and love are the foundation for every relationship.
Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships – Stephen Covey
