When You Want to Share Your Life, Who Do You Trust?
There are times in life when sharing your victories and even your disappointments with others becomes a questionable situation. Who do you trust? Who are you comfortable sharing the most intimate details of your life with? What people in your life do you trust with your ups and your downs? Who do you trust enough to share moments of your life with and not have to worry about being judged? Of your friends, which ones are going to support and uplift you regardless of whether it’s a time to celebrate, or a time when you need counsel? There comes a time in everyone’s life where the question has to be asked, “who do you trust?”
Trust and friendship seem to be a recurring theme lately.
I’ve heard several messages on true friendships. I have been listening to devotionals about trust and loving others with honesty. Some of the people in my life have recently asked me for the hard truth about situations. Is there a shift taking place, or something? More and more people are being encouraged to take personal inventory and evaluate who is in their life. Do you know why? Some say, the people you surround yourself with are reflections of yourself. When you think about the company you keep, are you comfortable with that?
Related Post: The Powerful Choice to Stay in Christian Community [Podcast Episode]
I recently read an article, which outlined 6 reasons friends impact your life more than you realize and I want to list them for you:
- Friends can reduce your stress when times get tough.
- When you are supporting your friends, it gives you a sense of belonging.
- Real friends will talk to you about the real stuff.
- Casual friendships (like co-workers) boost your mood significantly.
- When one of you has a good day, you both have a good day; happiness is contagious.
- The feeling of having a good friendship is one that lasts.
Did any of these resonate with you? I have to tell you, even the casual friendships I have make me happy. I think about my co-workers and the 10-minute discussions we will have about our weekend, or event we both attended at church. We may not be best friends, but I know I can always look forward to enjoying a conversation with them. Even the person at my favorite smoothie place who always remembers my order brings a smile to my face. Not all friendships are BFF type friendships, but they all play a part in your life. Sometimes, it’s the casual friendships that can help you the most. You just might find yourself trusting a co-worker more than you thought you would.
Trust, or honesty with love?
Isn’t it about loving correction? Think about it, when someone wants to know the truth, in most cases, they may already have their mind made up on what you might say. Are we, as a society, scared to tell others the truth in what we think? I mean, think about it. In today’s society, there are so many opportunities for people to talk behind your back. Some may even lift you up and praise you while they are with you, but secretly envy you. People may talk bad about you to others. Knowing if a person’s heart position is for you, or against you can play a major role.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” - Ephesians 4:29
Imagine going through a rough patch in your life, whether it’s a failing relationship, financial struggles, disagreements in the workplace, or even family opportunities. Who are the few people you can count on to be there for you? Who do you trust? Now take the opposite situation and imagine getting the best news ever! Of course, you want to share the joyous occasion with people in your life. Who do you call? Who celebrates with you? Are there people in your life who you don’t call? Ask yourself why.
So… who are you trusting?
When it comes down to it, the people in your life can build you up, or tear you down in good times, or in bad ones. Who do you trust with your life moments? Where are the people you need when it’s time to get down and dirty? Are the people you associate with encouraging you, walking through life with you and being honest with you when it matters most?Happiness really is contagious!