“Look for the fruit [of the Spirit] in someone’s actions, and you won’t have to wade through their words. Anyone can say what you want to hear when rebuilding trust. But the truth comes out in actions.”- Lysa TerKeurst
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. . . . Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”- Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Lysa TerKeurst concludes Chapter 4 of I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t as she stresses that only you know what you need and when you need it. Consequently, she encourages, be gentle with yourself and honest with others.
Above all, Lysa reminds us of a wonderful gift the Lord provides to help us in this process. The Lord offers a better way to examine who to trust and what to look for as we rebuild trust. If one’s actions align with the fruit of the Spirit, most likely Jesus is guiding them. And with Jesus guiding them, that assures us that the good work of Jesus is occurring in them.
So, Lysa counsels:
“It’s normal to be skeptical. And honestly, sometimes it is wise to be skeptical. But skepticism fades in the light of proven truth. How comforting it is to recognize Jesus in a person. When someone consistently produces the fruit of the Spirit, over time . . . their presence will feel reassuring.”
Certainly, relationships always carry the risk of pain. Therefore, trust consists of part risk and part reward. But the more you minimize the risks, the more you maximize the rewards. As a result, some relationships gain the great reward of reestablished trust. And, Lysa adds, it’s beautiful when you repair rips in the right way and foster authentic connection.
Finally, Lysa exhorts, perhaps you find yourself sinking at this point in time. But now is your time to rise!
Today’s question: How do you respond when the truth comes out in someone’s actions? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Replace trust with control?”