There is little more painful than to have your trust broken. You’ve invested in another’s life only to be betrayed, violated. Perhaps it was by an adulterous affair; perhaps by a confidence betrayed. In any case, we can choose to work on rebuilding trust with the person who has harmed us, assuming they are remorseful and seek healing with us. Scripture guides us accordingly: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Remembering that Christ has forgiven us can be a powerful impetus in remembering we have fallen short of God’s glory just as those who hurt us.
Dr. David Hawkins, MBA, MSW, MA, PhD, is a Christian Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Marriage Recovery Center. He has helped bring healing to thousands of marriages and individuals and is passionate about working with couples in crisis. If you need help, please reach out to his Client Care Team at 206.219.0145 or through their website. Dr. Hawkins is also a speaker & trainer for the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a best-selling author of over thirty books including Never Fight Again, Gauranteed and When Loving Him is Hurting You. He has two grown sons, is happily married to Christie Hawkins, and lives on Bainbridge Island, outside Seattle, WA.