Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbour (Ephesians 2:25a).
Trust is the total belief, confidence and reliability placed on someone or something, a belief that someone will do certain thing(s) or not.
Transparency is doing things in an open, honest, and clear way without secrets, whereby motives are not questioned, because those at the receiving end would know exactly what you are doing.
In a relationship, trust is essential, it is actually a form of intimacy; you need to trust each another to make the relationship work and stand the test of time.
Trust is when you know that your spouse is dependable, can come through for you, and be there for you. He or she must belief the same about you, too.
Trust and transparency put together is the ability for people to have confidence in what you do, or what you intend or propose to do.
Trust and transparency are both foundations of marriage. Being honest creates a solid foundation, and this allows you and your spouse to maintain a healthy relationship.
For example, when a couple do things based in honesty, it will be hard for any outside force to come into their marriage, because being honest with each another alone shows they are united, and have regard and respect for each other.
Deception erodes trust and leads to a breakdown of the relationship.
It is therefore important not to keep secrets. I am not saying share every minute detail of your life with your spouse, because that’s just not realistic, and it’s even impossible. However, there are some things that are just a must to disclose.
These include: money, your differences, addictions, family, personality, and so on. In many cases, it is advised to share with your spouse things you know may impact on how you relate with each another.
When you notice you are starting to get attracted to someone else, physically or emotionally, it is paramount you tell your spouse.
Apart from your spouse having the right to know, telling even helps break this attraction that may cost you your relationship.
You must let your spouse know of any ailment/health condition you may have.
It is totally unfair for your spouse to come home and suddenly find you curled up in a dangerous position, screaming in agony and pain, because you kept this ailment from him/her from its outset.
In marriage, ‘the two become one’ extends to your finances. Both parties have to work together for the financial well-being of the family.
It is important to share money large debts, bankruptcy, and credit issues, so they are addressed collectively.
Your hidden feelings should be communicated to your spouse, so there is no reason for them to be hidden in the first place. If you are carrying around baggage, resentment, unforgiveness, or anger towards your spouse, it is important you communicate it.
The longer hidden feelings linger, the greater the likelihood that those feelings will compound and eventually erode the unity of the marriage.
Marriage is based on mutual understanding, so it is important to share your most sincere feelings.
The essence of trust and transparency in a relationship is for your spouse to know what is going on with the real you, without being judged, and you getting the support your spouse can offer.
People go into marriage with a hope that it will be loving and happily ever after, which can be achieved only when there are no secrets between you and your spouse.
Secrets and their consequences can weigh down a relationship and/or kill it outright!
