Summary: Trust is an essential element of a healthy family. Building a culture of trust is no accident and requires an intentional plan.
Building a culture of trust: To maintain the relational integrity necessary to operate as a family, we must choose to trust and be trustworthy.
Ephesians 4:2-3
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
I. We can’t build trust if we don’t choose trust.
A. Often there are unexplainable gaps between what we expect people to do and what they actually do.
B. Two things make it difficult for me to trust: Who I am, What I see.
C. Three commitments we need to make:
1. When there is a gap between what I expect and what I experience, I will fill it with trust.
2. When I observe someone filling a gap with suspicion, I will come to your defense.
3. If what I experience begins to erode my trust, I will come directly to you about it.
II. We must decide to be trustworthy.
A. Being trustworthy is not the equivalent of being perfect & flawless in character or performance. (Proverbs 14:4)
B. To be trustworthy means to be worthy of trust.
C. 3 Commitments we need to make.
1. I commit to do what I say I will do and when I don’t, I will tell you.
- The wrong way to handle it: hide it, deny it, ignore it, excuse it, blame it.
2. I commit not to over promise and under deliver. But if it looks like that’s where things are headed, I will tell you.
3. If you confront me about the gaps I have created, I will tell the truth.
III. I must recognize the danger of not building trust.
Harboring suspicion and mistrust will eventually poison the culture of your home. (John 3:19)
A. There are things that grow and multiply in the darkness, and there are things that grow and multiply in the light.
B. When you choose not to trust and refuse to confront, your concealed suspicion grows and poisons your attitude. (Galatians 5:9)
C. The consequences of confrontation are far less damaging than the consequences of denial.
What do I do when another tribe member is not trustworthy? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
1. I trust the living God.
2. I commit to do what is right.
