“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail, and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you have denied three times that you know me.”

—Luke 22:31-34

Introduction: There are no perfect people.

In your family, everything rises and falls on trust.

“Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.” – John Gottman Ph.D. in The Relationship Cure

Week 1: Trust is more than a feeling and more than knowing if someone will lie to you.

Our greatest need from the womb to the tomb is to be known and understood.

Trust is the assured reliance on the character and ability of someone or something.

Week 2: Character Matters

You can like someone, yet not be able to trust them in specific ways. It’s ok to say no or not yet.

Honesty must be addressed

.

“I have seen more marriages ruined not by mistakes or betrayals, but by continuous lying about something they were not revealing.” – Dr. Henry Cloud

“Being proactive in addressing relationship issues can prevent them from escalating.” – John Gottman, Ph.D.

Without character traits of honesty and transparency, being the same person in public and private, we can’t have trust.

Week 3: Commitment Matters: Four Key Commitments

1. Commit to recognize that no one is perfect.
2. Commit to the power of affirmation.
   

   “Gratitude and appreciation are essential for fostering a loving and supportive relationship.” – John Gottman, Ph.D.

3. Commit to say these six words: “I am sorry” and “I forgive you.”
4. Commit to restoration.

This Week: Brokenness Matters

We are all broken in some way that is seen or

.

The first step toward potentially repairing broken trust is all about

, not about the person who betrayed you.

The first step when you are betrayed is taking time to

. (Hebrews 12:13)

You need time and healing because you can’t

straight when you are significantly wounded.

We all need support and

around us when we have been broken in some way public or private.

The second step to restoration and freedom is

. (Matthew 18:21-22)

Forgiveness is a gift you give

: lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduced pain, and improved mental health.

“When you remain angry, you are just a character in someone else’s story.
When you let go and forgive, you are free to write your own story.” – Anonymous

Forgiveness is a

, not a quick, clean, and easy one point in time.

Forgiveness requires naming the

: be honest about it and know that this will lead to a period of anger.

Forgiveness is a prerequisite for repair because we can’t work out a healthy relationship with someone we are

.

“When we are already hurt from yesterday, we tend to fear getting too close…lest we get wounded again.” – Dr. Henry Cloud

It only takes one person to forgive, but it takes two people to

. (Luke 22:55-57, 61-62)

Betrayal is when one person acts in their self-interest only, with no

of the other’s well-being.

The third step is to take time to assess whether to stay or leave the relationship. (Ecclesiastes 3:5b-6)

Forgiveness has to do with the

. Trust has to do with the

Reveal Answer

. (John 21:9, 12, 15)

Action Step

Ask God to show you your

.

Access support and wisdom from the Holy Spirit and mature helpers to forgive and

next steps.

Come back next week as we learn the final three steps to figure out if

is available.

My Additional Notes: