Restoring Trust After a Disagreement - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - November 6, 2026

Audio By Carbonatix

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” - Romans 12:18, NIV

Have you ever walked into a convenience store to grab a soda? You opened it, took a few sips, and then forgot about it? Maybe the soda sat in your car while you ran errands or on your desk while you worked. Now, hours have gone by, and you pick up the soda again, take a sip, and instantly notice that something is different. It’s no longer the refreshing drink you once had because it has gone flat.

This is how a relationship can feel after a disagreement. It hasn’t ended, but it has gone noticeably flat. Love and honor for that person may still be present because you care about them, but also want things to be right. In this shift, trust doesn’t feel as easy as it did before, and you may even be tested to think twice before sharing, wondering now if your words will be understood, while having the disagreement replay in your thoughts again after it is over.

So, what should we do? Well, Scripture gives us an answer that sets us free. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV) After reading this verse repeatedly, I felt an immeasurable amount of wisdom flow straight to my heart.

Every relationship involves two people, and sometimes, we’re so eager to make things right that we feel that the whole relationship is our own responsibility to get things back to the way they were. But restoration can’t be carried out alone in a relationship. The door can be opened to honesty, an apology for what we have done, and forgiveness. But we are only responsible for our part. We can’t make someone walk a journey through a door they are not willing to enter with us. And this is the wisdom of Apostle Paul’s words, “as far as it depends on you,” not them.

Should we accept responsibility for someone else’s actions? No. Let’s look at what Apostle Paul says again, “as far as it depends on you.” However, we should ask the Lord, “Lord, what was my part?” In the depths of anger, maybe I spoke out of frustration. Maybe I wasn’t listening as keenly as I should have been. Or, in full transparency for myself, maybe my words were sharper than they needed to be. Whatever God shows me, I own it, and it doesn’t mean saying, “Everything is my fault.”

By this time, you may ask, “Does living at peace require me to pretend that my trust wasn’t affected?” No. A disagreement isn’t healed because it’s over. You can forgive while acknowledging that restoring trust may take time. And choosing not to retaliate does not mean everything is peaceful or that nothing happened. This is where peace takes shape because we refuse to let someone else’s actions dictate who we are or will become. Apostle Paul isn’t telling us to control the relationship. He’s telling us how to conduct ourselves within it, “as far as it depends on you.”

From the outset to the end, restoring trust after a disagreement will take time. And forgiveness doesn’t mean that trust was never damaged. Rebuilding trust must take an imperative route through truth, accountability, behavior, repentance, consistency, and time. And now you may ask, “What depends on me?” What depends on you may be an apology, having an open and honest conversation, and changing your behavior. But most importantly, forgiving and releasing it all to the Lord because you can only be faithful to your part while trusting the Lord with the result. Relationships and people may disappoint us, or even remain uncertain, but the Lord never will. 

Let's pray ...

Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to do what depends on me and trust you with the outcome. Help me recognize my part, apologize when I am wrong, speak with wisdom, honesty, and grace, and forgive. Although my trust has been damaged, help me to resist the urge to control and trust you for restoration according to your will and plan. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray,
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 9 Prayers to Gain a Heart for Heaven + Daily Prayer Journal

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/DjelicS

Allma Johnson is a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient who has experienced God’s grace and healing, deepening her faith and passion for helping others transform through His Word. She is an author and a professor of Biblical Studies. Her book, Exodus to Unity: Bridging the Gap Between the Traditional Christians and Millennials, inspires generational transformation through biblical truth. In addition to her academic and ministry work, Allma is also the founder of Seed - Journey with Dr. Allma Johnson and host of The Seeds of Transformation Podcast with Dr. Allma Johnson, where she explores a myriad of topics—from healthcare to finance—all grounded in the belief that everything begins with a seed (Genesis 8:22, NKJV). Forthcoming, Allma plans to expand her ministry to help others find healing and purpose through biblical guidance. Connect with Allma on her Podcast, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to learn more and be inspired by her message of transformation. Visit her website at www.drallma.com for more information.

Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships

In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others. 

Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection. 

If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!