Reasons. . . OR RESULTS? What is your most common choice and preference?

We all have many reasons why we shouldn't trust: Pastors, women, deacons, ministry-leaders, thoughts and feelings, people who are different than we are--there will always be reasons why we shouldn't trust others.

However, God calls us to live by His measure and His standard. As we choose to give people the benefit of the doubt and as we choose to TRUST God and be obedient to Him, it is not up to us to make judgement or be skeptical or hold something against people and be mis/un-trusting. . . We must choose to give people the benefit of the doubt and choose to trust if we want meaningful relationship. In similar measure, we MUST be trustworthy for that is His standard as well.

Remember, this is only ONE of the important qualities and characteristics that must be present and growing for relationships to be successful. If you are strong in this area--GREAT! Remain strong and growing in it! Then, work on the other qualities and characteristics. They ALL must be present and growing in ALL relationships! How are you doing on all the others, too?

R  espect and Honor
E  xpressions of Encouragement
L  isten, Acknowledge and Consider Response
A  ppreciate and Affirm
T  rust In-Spite of and Through Brokenness
I  dentify and Build on Commonalities
O  rder In Place and Deliberate Actions
N  urturance and Understanding
S  elf-less Orientation
H  ope, Faith, and Pursuit of Consistency
I  ntegrity Journey
P  ardon, GRACE, and Mercy MUST Abound