3 levels of trust

When we trust others, that trust is on 3 different levels.

1. Do we trust their heart i.e. Do we believe and know someone is acting with good and loving intent toward us and others.

2. Do we trust their judgment i.e. Do we believe and know they have the best understanding and wisdom when it comes to how they handle decisions, challenges, and circumstances i.e. will they make the right decision.

3. Do we trust their ability i.e. Do we believe someone can fulfill the promises they make or responsibilities they are given or have regarding us or others.

For us to have complete trust in someone we must trust them in all 3 areas. 

This is not just true of our attitude towards other fellow creatures but also and especially towards God our Creator.  

How do these apply to God? How is He trustworthy? 

1. Heart. Is God good and loving? The greatest evidence of love is when someone sacrifices something they value most for another's benefit. 

The Father gave us the Son of His eternal affection and delight and the Son set aside his ¹glory and perfect union with the Father of His delight. They did so that our selfishness and failures would not be held against us so we might be fully restored to the Father's infinite love and share in it along with the Son in the same way as the Son. The Father and Son gave up what they valued most (unobstructed blissful union with each other) so we might participate in that union of perfect glory and joy. 

2. Judgement. By definition, God must be everywhere present, all-knowing and all-wise...and He is. Therefore only He knows the best possible outcome to any and all given situations. Because He is also love he always chooses the best possible outcome in every situation. Infinite love coupled with infinite knowledge and wisdom assures this.

 

3. Ability...  Is He able to bring His love and wisdom to full fruition? As Creator and sustainer of all things, nothing exists (is) without God. He even uses evil - caused by our distrust of Him - for good. Evil did not and does not have the last word, God does. Nothing can thwart God from carrying out his perfect, all-wise, and loving will, not even our sin. 

*For a futher discussion on God using evil for good click here. 

*For a fuller understanding of the significance of Christ setting aside his glory for our benefit click here.