Biblical Answer

Can I Really Trust My Lawyer When They're Not Doing Their Job?

Understanding the Context of Jesus' Encounter with the Lawyer

In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:25-28), Jesus encounters a lawyer who asks him a question about his duty to his neighbor. The lawyer is trying to test Jesus and trap him with his words. However, Jesus skillfully turns the question around and asks the lawyer to identify his neighbor. This encounter highlights the complexity of human relationships and the difficulty of trusting others, even those who are supposed to serve us, like lawyers. In this context, we can reflect on the trustworthiness of lawyers who are not doing their job.

The Nature of Trust in Human Relationships

Trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship, including the relationship between a lawyer and their client. When a lawyer fails to do their job, it can erode the trust between them and their client. However, it's essential to remember that trust is not solely based on the other person's ability to perform their duties. Trust is also built on the character and intentions of the other person. In the case of a lawyer, trust is built on their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to serving their client's best interests. When a lawyer fails to meet these expectations, it can damage the trust that was initially built.

A Biblical Perspective on Trust and Accountability

From a biblical perspective, trust is essential in any relationship, including the relationship between a lawyer and their client. However, trust is not blind; it's based on the character and actions of the other person. In the Bible, we see examples of people who were trustworthy and accountable, like Jesus, who was faithful to His Father and His people. In contrast, we also see examples of people who failed to be trustworthy and accountable, like the lawyers in Jesus' time who were more concerned with their own interests than with serving the people. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be trustworthy and accountable in all our relationships, including our relationships with our lawyers. We should expect our lawyers to be professionals who serve us with integrity and honesty, and we should hold them accountable when they fail to meet these expectations. Ultimately, trust is built on the character and actions of the other person, and we should not blindly trust anyone, including our lawyers, when they are not doing their job.