Forgiveness Versus Trust

Scripture

John 2:24-25

But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Wingman, there is a difference between forgiveness and trust. Jesus shows us in John 2. Jesus had just performed the miracle at the Wedding in Cana of turning the water into wine. He had also cleansed the Temple from money changers, those profiting from God’s House. While in Jerusalem for the Passover Feast, people began to gather around Him and even believed in Him when they saw the miraculous signs done by Him. However, Jesus didn’t entrust Himself to everyone who professed to follow Him. John tells us that Jesus knew what was in man. Jesus knew how fickle people can be, trusting one moment and doubting the next. After all, Jesus is omniscient; He knows everything.This brings up a very powerful principle. There is a difference between forgiveness and trust. I think often people get this mixed up and think that if they forgive a person, they must also trust the person. That is not the case. Forgiveness is a choice to release your right to hurt someone back for hurting you. Trust, on the other hand, must be earned over time while consistently trying to do the right thing.Whether in your marriage, your relationship with your children, or with a friend, you are commanded to forgive but not commanded in Scripture to trust. If you have broken someone’s trust, confess it to God and the person and then consistently choose to do the right thing toward that person. In time, that trust can be restored. There is no substitute for time and consistently doing the right thing.

Helps on Forgiveness and Trust:

1. Forgiveness is a choice you make to surrender your right to hurt someone back for hurting you.
2. Trust is the inner assurance that a person will keep his word.
3. Forgiveness and trust are not synonymous.
4. You should not feel bad about not trusting someone who has consistently not kept their word.
5. Trust can be restored but not without time and consistently doing the right thing and keeping one’s word.

Trust is earned when actions meet words. – Chris Butler

Who do you need to forgive? Do that immediately. Think about the people you implicitly trust. What characteristics do you find in the person you trust the most? Also, think about someone with whom you have broken trust. Commit to God that you will do whatever it takes to restore the trust someone had in you. It may start with a simple confession that you realize you have broken their trust. Assure them you will do everything you can to regain that trust.