Biblical Answer

Can We Truly Trust Others When We've Been Hurt Before?

When we've been hurt before, it can be challenging to trust others. The pain and betrayal we've experienced can make us question our own judgment and character, leading to self-doubt and guilt. This woundedness can also manifest as a spiritual objection, causing us to focus on our own self-sufficiency rather than relying on God. As the Bible says, "When you are hurt, wounded, and treated unjustly, your greatest fear is that you will be hurt again" (Matthew 9:29). This fear can lead us to build walls around ourselves, making it difficult to trust others.

However, the Bible teaches us that we have a choice to make: who will we trust? Will we trust in others, who are imperfect and prone to failure, or will we trust in God, who is faithful and sovereign? When we trust in God, we acknowledge that our search for self-satisfaction has been a failure, and we turn to the One who has been our true destination all along. Trusting God means surrendering our need for control and perfection, and instead, relying on His goodness and sovereignty. As the Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Ultimately, trusting others when we've been hurt before requires a choice to forgive and let go of our past pain. This doesn't mean that we will never be hurt again, but it means that we will be able to respond to hurt in a way that is consistent with God's character. When we choose to trust God, we are able to forgive others and love them, even when they have wronged us. As the Bible says, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). By choosing to trust God, we can break free from the cycle of hurt and betrayal, and experience the freedom and joy that comes from living a life of trust and obedience to Him.