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Question: How can I help a Christian friend trust people? This friend knows he should trust people more and wants to have better relationships but can't actually enter into trusting. Answer: A good start is to develop very slowly the relationship you and your friend already have. Let him see over time you are trustworthy. For some unknown reason, lack of trust is part of your friend's nature and controls his emotions and mental attitudes. There is no quick way to help someone allow others into his/her life. Be patient and gradually become more involved in his/her life and prove you are a loyal friend. One suggestion might be to request his/her advice. This shows them your trust with your personal matters. Their trust in you will slowly build if they see predictable behaviors exhibited by you. By reaching out, your friend will begin to reach back. Lack of trust in other people could reveal a greater lack of trust in God. The reluctance to trust others should be helped by confidence in God to be true even when people fail him. Your friend could require professional help from a Christian counselor. Carefully suggest this idea. Volunteer to go with them or provide them with choices of counselors. Always be sensitive to his feeling and never be judgmental. Remember to never accept responsibility for their lack of trust in people but certainly do all you can to help them. Answered by: Dr. Robert Rice |