5 Brave Moves to Restore Trust in Marriage Starting Now
Do You Feel Like Trust in Your Marriage Is Broken?
It’s gut-wrenching, isn’t it? That sinking feeling of doubt. Wondering if the person you once trusted most will ever truly have your back again.
Maybe there was a betrayal—a lie, an affair, or a promise that wasn’t kept. Or maybe it’s not one big thing but years of small cracks that have left you feeling distant, guarded, and… tired.
Here’s the truth: you can restore trust in marriage. It’s not easy. It’s messy, it’s painful, and it takes time. But with God at the center and intentional steps forward, your relationship can heal. Trust can be rebuilt. Love can grow again.
These 5 bold, faith-driven strategies will show you exactly how to rebuild what’s been broken, starting today. Let’s get into it.
Speak the Truth to Rebuild Connection
You can’t heal what you refuse to reveal.
When trust is broken, it’s tempting to plaster on a smile, brush your pain under the rug, and act like everything’s fine. But here’s the truth: silence doesn’t fix anything—it fuels resentment.
If you want to start rebuilding trust, you’ve got to get real. Lay your cards on the table. Say what hurt. Say what you need.
Start with this:
- “I love you, but I’m hurt, and I don’t want us to stay stuck here.”
- “I don’t feel safe with you right now, and I need us to work on this together.”
Being raw and vulnerable is terrifying, but it’s the first step toward restoring the connection you’ve lost. And before you do? Pray. Ask God to give you courage, wisdom, and grace for the hard conversation ahead.
Own Your Part to Restore Trust in Marriage
Here’s something no one wants to hear: trust issues are rarely one-sided.
Even if your spouse made the biggest mistake, there’s usually something on your side of the fence that needs attention. Maybe you ignored their needs. Maybe you built walls instead of bridges. Maybe you’ve been keeping score instead of showing grace.
Whatever your role, own it. Say, “I know I’ve contributed to where we are right now, and I want to work on it.”
Humility isn’t weakness—it’s strength. And when you lead with humility, it opens the door for your spouse to step into the process with you.
Set Boundaries That Build Trust
Let’s be clear: restoring trust doesn’t mean letting your guard down completely. It’s about creating an environment where trust can grow again.
This is where boundaries come in. Boundaries aren’t about controlling your spouse—they’re about protecting your heart while giving your marriage space to heal.
For example:
If trust was broken by dishonesty: Require transparency—open phones, shared calendars, and consistent communication.
- If trust was broken by neglect: Schedule non-negotiable time together where you’re both fully present.
Boundaries aren’t about punishment—they’re about building a foundation for safety, security, and respect.
Forgive Even When It Feels Impossible
This one is going to sting, but it’s critical: you cannot rebuild trust without forgiveness.
Here’s the thing about forgiveness: it’s not about excusing what happened. It’s not about saying, “What you did is okay.” Forgiveness is about releasing the hurt so it doesn’t consume you anymore.
Jesus said to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22)—not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary for healing.
Say this out loud:
- “I’m choosing to forgive you—not because you deserve it, but because God forgives me and we deserve to heal.”
That doesn’t mean the pain instantly goes away, but it’s the starting point for God to do the deeper work in your heart. Forgiveness paves the way for trust to begin growing again.
Get Help From God and Wise Counsel
Here’s the hard truth: you can’t restore trust in marriage on your own.
You need God. You need His wisdom, His strength, and His ability to bring beauty out of brokenness. Trust Him to guide you through this.
But you also need people. Whether it’s a mentor, a pastor, or a Christian counselor, having someone to walk alongside you in this season is critical. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Counseling isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a declaration of hope. If you’re ready for faith-based support, I’d love to help. Let’s rebuild trust, connection, and love—together.
Key Takeaways
Trust isn’t restored in a day, but it can be restored one bold, faith-driven step at a time.
Let’s recap the 5 ways to restore trust in marriage:
1. Speak the truth—no more avoiding the hard conversations.
2. Own your role, no matter how small.
3. Set boundaries that make trust possible again.
4. Forgive, even when it feels impossible.
5. Get support from God and wise counsel.
Marriage takes work, but it’s work worth doing. Your marriage can heal. Trust can grow again. And with God’s help, you can experience the kind of love and connection you thought was lost forever.
Which step will you start with today? Comment below or reach out if you’re ready to take the next step toward restoring trust in your marriage. I’m here to walk this road with you.
(Disclaimer: I am licensed to provide therapy and counseling services in the States of Alabama and Tennessee. This blog post does not replace professional help from a mental health provider and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. The information on this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship and I will not be held liable for any damages or losses caused by using the tips and actions shared on this blog. If your situation calls for medical attention or therapeutic intervention, seek the advice of a Licensed Physician or licensed mental health providers in good standing in your local area. Call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room if you are in a life threatening or emergent situation. Also, this information is not for those in abusive situations or dealing with someone engaged in criminal acts. If that has happened in your situation, call the authorities and create a safety and exit plan. You don’t have to stay in an unsafe or dangerous situation).
