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Writer's pictureAndy McIlvain

Bonnie Kristian on How to Become People Others Can Trust

Trust!

Are you a trustworthy person?

Do you have integrity and are you dependable and relaible?

In our cynical time many have taken the intellectual position that NO ONE can be trusted, with the exception of the people we decide are trustworthy!

Have you become a serial lier when you deem it necessary?

If you claim the faith and say you are a follower of Christ then white lies and falsehoods in your life are not Christlike in any way.

Author Bonnie Kristian gives us some food for thought.



Bonnie Kristian on How to Become People Others Can Trust

"Bonnie Kristian on "How to Become People Others Can Trust."

Bonnie is the author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community (2022) and A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today (2018). Her column, "The Lesser Kingdom," appears in print and online at Christianity Today. Her work has also been published at outlets including USA Today, Defense One, the Los Angeles Times, CNN, Politico, Time, Reason, National Interest, New York Times, and The American Conservative. A graduate of Bethel Seminary, she lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and twin sons." from video introduction


Four Steps to Rebuild Trust

"Trust is essential.

According to one researcher, trust is the cornerstone of every relationship. But how do we become trustworthy? And how do we regain trust in someone when they’ve done something to betray our trust?

As essential as trust is for healthy relationships, trust is also tricky. In my counseling training, I was taught, “Trust is the result of trustworthy actions.” This is a handy description, but it needs some nuance to be effective. The obvious question is “What are trustworthy actions?” The answer may seem easy at first blush, but relationships of any length quickly reveal that what one person conceives of as trustworthy activity often goes unnoticed or underappreciated by the other.

John Gottman, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington, has done quite a bit of clinical research on the topic. According to Dr. Gottman, trust is built when we observe actions that let us know another person is for me, even when it costs them. Notice the two components to that description: one person doing; the other person recognizing. Both are equally necessary to build or rebuild trust. Conversely, when they are lacking, mistrust begins to build.

We can outline the process of rebuilding trust in four steps: (1) admit and repent, (2) define and exhibit trustworthy actions, (3) recognize and encourage trustworthy actions, and (4) trust in God..." from the article: Four Steps to Rebuild Trust


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