Here at House on the Rock we have couples in crisis calling and emailing us daily to learn about our marriage intensive retreats … because something foundational in their marriage has eroded away … something so important they’ve begun to wonder whether they can ever see eye to eye again … and so valuable that they’re willing to spend 25 hours with us over a weekend to try and rebuild it …
What is it you ask … TRUST!
Proverbs 10:9 states, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
George MacDonald the Scottish novelist once said, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”
If trust is so cherished in a marriage relationship, what can we do to build it up? Here’s four practical steps to help you begin!
Step One – Keep your Word. To the best of your ability, do what you say you’re going to do. If you promise to spend time with your spouse … do it! Promise to get a job completed … do it! Promise to be home at a certain time … make it happen!
Step Two – Be Transparent. This means having nothing to hide from your spouse. No hidden text messages … no hidden websites … no hidden finances … and one that couples often miss … no hidden emotions you’re not willing to share!
Step Three – Don’t Lie. It might sound trite and simple, but the reality is we all struggle with the truth. Whether it’s a blatant lie … “stretching the truth” … or letting your spouse believe something that isn’t true … it has no place in a marriage relationship.
And finally Step Four – Confess Promptly. The reality is that we’re not perfect people … and there’s gonna be times we don’t keep our word … we aren’t immediately transparent … or we lie. Instead of letting those situations fester and erode trust … quickly and appropriately confess your sins and mistakes.
The temporary pain of imperfection … combined with the goal of rebuilding intimacy will actually build a strong foundation of trust in your relationship.
