In an era where promises often feel as ephemeral as the latest social media update, it’s no wonder that trust is a commodity in short supply. The story of Jeff, a name I’ve given to protect his privacy, exemplifies this modern struggle. Jeff and his wife, once united in dreams and love at a Christian university, ventured into the dazzling yet ruthless world of Hollywood, only to find their relationship fraying at the seams. As Jeff’s wife succumbed to the allure of fame, their marriage crumbled, leaving Jeff questioning if he could ever trust again after such a profound betrayal.
Many of us have been Jeff at some point, navigating the aftermath of broken relationships—be they romantic, familial, or platonic. We’ve all been let down, and if we’re honest, we’ve let others down too. It’s a human condition; no one is exempt from the temptation to stretch the truth or outright lie when it serves our purposes.
It’s a painful realization, this inherent human fallibility. Yet, herein lies a crucial juncture: will we let our disappointments isolate us, or will we extend grace as we’ve been graciously given? Living in grace doesn’t mean ignoring the pain or pretending it doesn’t hurt—it means acknowledging our mutual imperfections and choosing to love anyway.
Yet, there’s a deeper ache within us, a yearning for something—or someone—reliable and unchanging. This is where, as a Christian, I find immense comfort in God’s nature. Unlike us, God is unswayed by whims or weaknesses. Numbers 23:19 offers a profound truth: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” This scripture starkly contrasts divine constancy with human inconsistency.
In the tapestry of human errors and divine faithfulness, Jesus stands as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. The incarnation of Christ—God with us, Emmanuel—demonstrates God’s commitment to His word. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are God’s way of showing He is invested in this broken world and every broken heart within it.
For those of us staggering under the weight of disillusionment, Jesus offers not just an example but a presence. In our deepest betrayals and disappointments, we are not alone. God is intimately acquainted with our pain. And in this recognition, there is a call to action for us: to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, without naivety but with a profound trust in the One who is truly trustworthy.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to model this trust and forgiveness in our own lives. While it’s prudent—and sometimes necessary—to distance ourselves from toxic relationships, forgiveness doesn’t require reconciliation. It’s about freeing ourselves from bitterness and trusting God with our wounds.
As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, let’s strive to remember: though we may falter, God does not. His promises are sure, His presence is certain, and His love is unfailing. In a world of ephemeral commitments and shifting sands, this is the rock on which we can stand. God is not human—He is constant, and He is close.
