How do you know who you can trust?
The only way to know is to try. Give a little trust away and see what happens.
Use your discernment. Learn from past experience, but don’t give up because of past experience. You’ve been hurt before, but not everyone is out to hurt you. Everyone is broken and full of weaknesses; but they also have very real strengths. Study your friends and learn their strengths and weaknesses.
I have friends I would trust with my life on a mountain or in a war zone, but I would not trust them with my finances. Strengths and weaknesses.
Is there someone you can trust with your…
- car
- house
- kids
- dreams
- fears
- pain
- secrets
- money
They don’t have to be the same person, but we need all the categories covered.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” –Proverbs 18:24
So give a little trust away and see what happens. As a literal or metaphoric example, start with a plant. If they keep your plant alive, have them watch your dog. If they keep your dog alive, maybe they can babysit your kid…. or your dream.
Lastly, if you’re lacking in the “friend who sticks closer than a brother” department, ask yourself if you are such a friend. If you are, these types of people will find you. If you’re not, surprise a friend this week by doing something selfless for them.
Tomorrow – how trusting God is the same and different.