The Foundation of Our Union

TRUST WILL BE BROKEN?

Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) 5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

Psalms 118:8 (NLT) It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

Romans 3:23 (AMP) 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,

Matthew 19:11-12 (MSG) 11-12 But Jesus said, "Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn't for everyone. Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. Others never get asked—or accepted. And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons. But if you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it."

3T's OF TRUST:

#1 TRUST IS BASED ON TRUTH

Ephesians 4:15 (AMP) But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ.

Colossians 3:9 (AMP) Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self

Ephesians 4:25 (AMP) Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ].

• "Half truths" could include statements that technically aren't lies but leave out crucial information, downplay a situation, or subtly shift blame, often to avoid conflict or appear more agreeable, such as:

• "I'm fine,"
• "I don't need anything,"
• "It's not a big deal,"
• "Have had this dress for a while"
• "I'm on my way now"
• "I love your cooking"
• "I'm listening"
• "You look great in that outfit"
• "Do you think she's pretty?"
• "I'm not sure how much I paid for that"
• "How many episodes did you watch after I went to sleep?"

#2 TRANSPARENCY IS A BEDROCK PRINCIPLE OF TRUST

Genesis 2:25 (AMP) And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed or embarrassed.

• Naked and ashamed versus ashamed to be naked

• Can you handle the truth -movie scene

• People often don't tell the truth because they are afraid of the other persons response

James 5:16 (AMP) 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored.

• Be truthful and transparent.

• Admit mistakes and take responsibility.

• Admit when you don't know something or need help.

• Homework -write down somethings that your love about your mate

#3 TRACK RECORD - CONSISTENCY & RELIABILITY

It's amazing to have a spouse who:

1. shows up for the you
2. follows through
3. keep their word

Being consistent in your relationship can lead to some significant health benefits such as: • Reduced stress • Improved mental health • Positive lifestyle habits • Enhanced immune system • Better coping mechanisms • Increased life expectancy

1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP) Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].

AIRBNB STORY

Titus 2:7 (AMP) 7 And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified,

• Show up and be dependable.

• Align words with actions.

• Maintain a steady character in good and bad times.

Closing Story

THE ROPE CUT (BROKEN TRUST IS HARD TO REPAIR)

Message: Trust, once broken, can be restored, but it takes time, effort, and God's grace.

1. Razor Cut
2. Scissor cut
3. Garben tool Cut
4. You will notice as we cut the rope gets shorter and shorter
5. People who have broken trust feel like they are on a short leashes

We then braid the ropes with Jesus in the middle

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Psalm 37:3-8 (NLT) 3 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Discussion Questions

1. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and continually fall short." Since everyone is imperfect, how do we balance trusting our spouse while acknowledging they will inevitably disappoint us at times?
2. Psalm 118:8 says "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people." How does putting our ultimate trust in God (rather than our spouse) actually strengthen our marriage rather than weaken it?
3. The message lists common "half-truths" we tell to avoid conflict. Which of these resonates most with you? Why do we resort to half-truths instead of full honesty?
4. Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak "the truth in love." How do we balance honesty with kindness? What does it look like to tell a difficult truth lovingly rather than harshly?
5. Genesis 2:25 describes Adam and Eve as "naked and not ashamed." What does emotional and spiritual nakedness look like in marriage? What makes vulnerability scary, and how can we create safety for it?
6. James 5:16 instructs us to "confess your sins to one another" for healing. Why is confession so powerful in restoring trust? What prevents us from admitting our mistakes quickly?
7. The three elements of a strong track record are: showing up, following through, and keeping your word. Which of these three is most challenging for you, and why?
8. The rope illustration shows that each broken trust makes the "rope" shorter—people who break trust feel like they're on a "short leash." How can couples rebuild trust after it's been broken multiple times?
9. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says "a triple-braided cord is not easily broken" when Christ is in the middle. How does inviting God into your relationship strengthen trust between you and your spouse?
10. The homework assignment is to "write down things you love about your mate." When was the last time you affirmed your spouse? How could regular affirmation strengthen trust and connection in your relationship?

Stay Connected

Submit a prayer request

Join us online

View our devotionals