In last week’s article, wives were challenged not to make husbands work to earn trust they already have positionally. A Christian husband feeling punished by his wife would be halted from making things right with the Lord and with her. In this part two article, women can consider our responsibility when it comes to a mature friend or family member who’s broken trust and how to handle our desires that we’d like some time or new effort before trusting again. For example, maybe someone close to you has made recurring unkind comments to you. First, you could consider if this relationship has the intimacy and maturity to discuss growth issues, or if you think they’ll be glad at some point that you said something. It would also be good to check to make sure you haven’t done something wrong or that there isn’t something else going on with them. Once you’re ready to communicate your hurt and needs with them, you can assure them: 1) you’ll be working toward reconciliation after some time or new effort is made on their part, 2) of course you forgive them, and 3) they can ask the same kind of understanding from you if you ever break trust with them due to your sin (Matthew 7:2, Luke 6:37-38). I know I haven’t always given or received this kind of communication well, especially through hurt feelings or by impulsivity instead of obedience. Nevertheless, if our friends or family members feel punished by our temporary withdrawal of trust or because we’ve made a request for time or effort to rebuild trust, that does not mean we would necessarily be responsible for their feelings. Instead, we could pray with and for them, asking the Holy Spirit to remove those nonproductive feelings of punishment so that the relationship could be restored and both of us could be made holier as a result (Romans 12:9-18, Philippians 2:1-5, 1 Timothy 6:11). What a great opportunity to welcome these kinds of hard conversations, grow our deepest relationships, and pursue Christlikeness together in humility. Next week’s part three article will address situations where others accuse you of punishing them, even when you take great care not to do so.