Trusting Others

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,  so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (Romans 12:4-5)


Trusting in others can be a real challenge for some of us.  The freeonlinedictionary.com defines trust as, “Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.” There are so many people who guard their hearts, and put up walls around themselves – not trusting anyone. They believe that if they don’t become vulnerable enough to trust someone, they won’t be disappointed or hurt. I contend that without trust, you don’t know what it is to live or to grow. I believe that without trust, you will not realize the full potential for your life. We were purposely made with different skills, gifts, and talents. As a result, we must depend on (trust) one another to achieve fullness in our lives.

Of course, there is a risk involved in trusting another fallible human. We can be hurt. We can be disappointed. I guess when that happens, we need to refocus our trust to God, to help us through the hurt and bring some meaning to it. However, without taking a risk to trust someone, we miss out on the fullness of love, on the excitement of working on a great team, on the thrill of achieving a long sought after goal… Our marriages will not be whole and our children may not grow into whole adults.

There is so much to lose in your life by not allowing yourself to trust others. If you struggle with trusting others, I guess the question is how do you begin? Well, I suppose it is like any new discipline. You have to make a conscious decision to begin, and weigh the pros and cons for your life. You need buy-in for yourself that it is worth the risk. Think of areas in your life where you have not trusted someone, and what the consequences were. What good could have happened if you had trusted that individual? Purposely decide on one person to trust – someone close to you. Start small – test the waters. It is about allowing yourself to be vulnerable to others. It may be a bit intimidating at first, but the payoff is so big!

With all that being said, the Bible has much to say about trusting the Lord, and not putting your faith in man. It is important to remember that we all fall short of the glory of God. We are sinners. We make mistakes. You can be hurt when you trust man. Be in prayer over what to be vulnerable about and who to be vulnerable to. But know that we were created to need each other, and as we allow ourselves to trust others our lives will be richer.

“You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don’t trust enough.” – Frank Crane