An Essay on Trust

Understanding the Word Trust

I trust you are able to carry out this assignment efficiently, I trust you are honest or faithful enough to protect my interest in this or that etc. These and many more are some statements that go with the word trust.

People tend to understand trust differently based on individual experiences and biblical use of the word trust. Nevertheless, trust is defined as "reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing.

For one to use the above statement means that that person has a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone. Close relationships are built on trust.

Certain words like confidence, belief, faith, certainty, certitude, assurance, conviction, credence or reliance can be used to explain the word trust depending on the context.

Trustworthiness is the characteristic or behaviour of one person which inspires positive expectations in another person. Trust is attributable to relationships within and between social groups (families, friends, communities, organisations, companies, nations etc.).

Trust is the belief that the person who is trusted will do what is expected.

When an atmosphere of trust is created, one party will be willing to rely on the actions of another party and voluntarily overlooks the actions performed by the person. In this case the former may suffer the risk of failure or harm that may come afterwards if the later did not behave as expected by the former.

Can I Trust You?

Trust may not be written all over the body of a faithful and honest person but the fact that that person is genuine cannot be hidden. Pretentious character has become a threat to the nature of sincerity and faithfulness but the difference should be clear to any person with a sound mind.  Pretense and patience doesn’t get along; it doesn’t take long for a pretender to show his or her true colour. Love is different from trust.  One can trust and not love. On the other hand, one can love someone but not trust him or her. You can trust someone because you believe he or she has your best interest at heart; he or she wouldn't do something to hurt you for the fun of it, or for selfish gain.  

Who should we Trust and Why?

From all indication, it is a natural thing that humans desire to trust and be trusted but because the forces of this life produce more of wolves in sheep clothing, people do not know who to trust anymore. Some facts are proven psychologically to be the attitude and prominent characteristics of a trustworthy person. These facts may not be completely applicable to all situations but in most cases they can be used to access a trustworthy person. How to identify a trustworthy person:

·        People with sound minds who are not biased in their thinking can identify trustworthy person through instinct/feeling and intelligence

·        It is easier to influence or persuade someone who is trusting because they believe in the reliability of others the same way they believe in themselves but they tend to become stricter and cautious with people around them i.e. difficult to influence after they are hurt severally by those they trust.

·        Trustworthy people shy away from certain responsibilities because they don’t want to attract insult or unnecessary false accusation to themselves

·        Trustworthy people are easily angered when misunderstood or when false statements are made about them because they feel they give all their loyalty, honesty and sincerity to people around them and therefore should be encouraged to do so and not be discouraged. Any slightest discouragement hurts them emotionally and weakens their spirit of service.

·        Trustworthy people are not good with flattery; they seldom use words of praise for anybody but some of them know how to encourage people. They are raw with their words; they say things the way they are. (see Proverbs 27:6 and Psalm 141:5)

The Story of Trust

The story of David and Jonathan is deeply rooted on trust. Jonathan was a trustworthy friend. Despite the fact that his father, the king is involved; and the fact that he was to take over from his father, he still remained faithful to David against his father’s will. David came up with oath and covenant issue because of fear but the character of Jonathan as described in the bible showed that he is a faithful and trustworthy person even without entering into any covenant with David. God himself chose him for David in order to protect him. On the other hand, he didn’t do anything to hurt his father while protecting David. He reported to David the evil plan of his father towards him while trusting that he will not hurt his father. He didn’t work for selfish desires. He stood for what is right and just. He was trustworthy. David himself rewarded that trust at the end.

The Ups and Downs of Trust

·        Where there is trust suspicion ceases. Trust sets people free from suspicion, doubt, anxiety, fear and worries

·        Success results in feelings of security, trust, and optimism, while failure leads towards an orientation of insecurity and mistrust.

·        Trust increases subjective well-being because it enhances the quality of one's interpersonal relationships, and happy people are skilled at fostering good relationships.

·        Blind trust i.e. Trusting for selfish reasons or trusting the wrong people could lead to loss and disaster

We need to maintain our trust level to live

The rising suspicions as a result of acts of greed and selfishness has made it impossible for one to trust the other; but there is need for us to work hard on ourselves to revive our trustworthy nature in order to enjoy the benefits and save ourselves the dangers of suspicion and crime as noted below.

·        Being and acting trustworthy should be considered the only sure way to maintaining a trust level.

·        It makes social life predictable, it creates a sense of community, and it makes it easier for people to work together.

·        Conversely, where trust is absent, projects can fail,

Consequently, He, who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted. - Lao Tzu

Most importantly, we should trust God to lead us to or bring trustworthy people around us as seen in the following scriptures:

·        Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)

·        Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. (Psalm 125:1)

Written by Olive Chinyere Amajuoyi

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