The Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample

Rebuilding Trust

Trust is fragile and, once broken, it can be incredibly difficult to rebuild—especially when betrayal through lust, pornography, or infidelity has occurred. Trust is not restored overnight; it takes time, honesty, and consistent effort. If you’ve broken your spouse’s trust, it’s essential to walk in integrity and transparency every day. Your wife needs to see that your actions align with your words, that you're committed to true change. Trust can be rebuilt, but it demands humility, steady effort, and genuine accountability.

In counseling, my wife and I learned an analogy about trust that resonated deeply with us: the "bathtub of trust." Imagine a bathtub filled with water, where the water represents trust. When I sinned against my wife, it was like pulling the plug, draining all the water—trust was emptied completely. Rebuilding that trust is like trying to fill the tub one teaspoon at a time. Each act of love, faithfulness, and integrity is another small step toward refilling it, but it takes time and patience to see progress.

This analogy taught me that rebuilding trust isn’t just about making a one-time apology—it’s about living out real change day after day. I’ve committed myself not only to rebuilding my wife’s trust but to maintaining it for the rest of our lives. Trust, once broken, takes time to restore, but with consistent love, faithfulness, and integrity, it can be filled again and strengthened.

Challenge

Today, ask your spouse what specific actions you can take to help rebuild trust. Be willing to listen, be patient, and take responsibility for your actions.

Prayer

Lord, help me to walk in integrity and rebuild the trust I’ve broken. Give me the strength to be patient and consistent as I work to restore my marriage. Amen.