In Others’ Words: Choosing to Trust Others

There comes a time when you have to decide: is this thing between you and another person a relationship or not?

I’m not just talking about romantic “do I or don’t I love this person?” kind of relationships. This question comes up as friendships are formed too.

And yes, the beginning of relationships make me nervous. Do I or don’t I? Am I all in — or am I playing it safe, guarding my heart, protecting myself, keeping my options — and the exit door — open?

Remember that “he/she loves me, he/she loves me not” routine — and the whole time the person is pulling the petals off the flower, one by one? That’s what it feels like when you decide to risk loving somebody … and they don’t love you back. Or, worse, they betray your trust somehow.

You went there … you trusted someone … and you were hurt.

No wonder relationships make us nervous. They are the ultimate risky business.

We risk ourselves for the sake of relationship — revealing the tender, wounded parts that we’ve protected because maybe, just maybe, this person will understand. Maybe, just maybe, this person will be safe.

And sometimes we discover a friend. Or a lifetime love.

And sometimes we discover we were wrong.

No matter what … the nervousness or fear, the hurt … we are made for relationships. Why? Because we are made in God’s image and he is a God of relationships. If he wasn’t, why does he desire reconciliation with us? (2 Corinthians 5: 19-20)

In Your Words: What makes you get past the nervousness and decide to trust and “go there” in relationship with others?

Trust: Risking for the Sake of Relationship Click to Tweet

The Risky Business of Relationships Click to Tweet