To Trust or not To Trust

“Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” John 2:23-25

Christ is encouraging us to not entrust ourselves too quickly with folks. The first law of human nature is that people are selfish, self promoting, self gratifying, self, put a word after it. That is our fallen state. And we are all selfish in some area of our life. Most people believe they are selfless.

Often folks come to me with feelings of disappointment when a person hurts or betrays them. Often when we are in relationships; we share and entrust too much about ourselves too soon. Jesus did not overshare and He did not reveal to people what could be used against Him. He did and can “mind read.” We cannot mind read contrary to Professor X fantasy in Xmen. And honestly would we want to really know what people are thinking? We would be hiding in a cave somewhere.

Christ did not entrust himself with people because he could see their intentions; at our best we can only guess folks intentions through their behaviors.

As a counselor, I encourage folks to wait two years after a breakup. A year to heal and a year to become your true self in God. Why? Because people will hurt you; God will be there for you and be your secure attachment. Secure attachment with God is the only trusting bond you can count on.

The next time you want to enter into a relationship, slow down, don’t entrust yourself too quickly. Lean into God and not people.

Your counselor,

Linda Goad, LPC,NCC, ALPS, Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist