Trust in a relationship is what makes the difference between an acquaintance and a friend. You talk to acquaintances, but you trust your friends.
You need at least one person in your life that can be a safe person for you, where you say, “I can share anything with that person. He’s not going to look at me crossways. She’s not going to reject me. He’s not going to dump me. She’s going to be there for me.” You need a safe person that you can share everything with—your fears, your doubts, and your insecurities.
It’s essential that what is said between you and that person remains confidential. And for you to be a safe person for someone else, you have to commit to confidentiality, too.
The Bible says that you build trust in a friendship by keeping confidences: “No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy” (Proverbs 11:13 GNT).
Do you have a safe person in your life? If not, pray about it and ask God to help you find someone you can trust.
And how about you? Are you ready to be a safe person for someone else? Talk to God and ask him to prepare you to be a safe and confidential friend to someone else. You may not be ready yet, but he will prepare you as you follow his direction.
Would your friends describe you as a trustworthy person? Why or why not?
What is a right, appropriate response when someone initiates gossip with you?
What can you do to become a “safer” friend?
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