By Dr Deborah Skomba

 “An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.” – Proverbs 24:26 (NLT)

Marriage without trust is like a house without a foundation—it might look beautiful for a while, but it won’t last through the storms. Trust isn’t something we automatically have in marriage. It’s something we intentionally build and continually protect.

Why Transparency Matters

Transparency is not about exposing everything; it’s about being open enough that nothing feels hidden. Openness fosters safety. Honesty deepens connection. When we hide things—whether small or significant—we unknowingly create emotional walls that block intimacy.

Scripture reminds us, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth” (Proverbs 12:22 NLT). God is a God of truth, and He calls us to walk in light, especially in our closest relationships.

3 Strategies to Build Trust Through Transparency

  1. Practice Intentional Communication
    Don’t just talk—share. Go beyond surface-level check-ins. Ask your spouse meaningful questions: “How are you really feeling?” “What do you need from me today?”
    Scripture: Ephesians 4:29 – “Let everything you say be good and helpful...”

  2. Rebuild Trust with Consistency
    If trust has been broken, healing comes from consistent actions—not quick fixes. Be reliable. Be truthful. Be humble. It takes time, but with God’s help, it’s possible.
    Scripture: Luke 16:10 – “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones...”

  3. Create a Safe Space for Vulnerability
    Make your marriage a shame-free zone. Allow each other to share fears, failures, and dreams without judgment.
    Scripture: James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

🛐 5 Daily Prayers to Build Trust

Read and pray one each day with your spouse or during your quiet time.

Prayer 1: Lord, Make Us Honest
Heavenly Father, help us to speak truth with love. Remove fear and replace it with boldness to be open and honest in all areas of our marriage. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayer 2: Heal Our Broken Trust
Lord, where trust has been shattered, rebuild it. Heal our hearts from past wounds and teach us how to forgive like You forgive us. Amen.

Prayer 3: Create a Safe Place
Jesus, help us create a marriage where we can both be vulnerable without shame or judgment. Let love cover our flaws and Your grace lead our words. Amen.

Prayer 4: Strengthen Our Communication
Father, help us communicate clearly and kindly. Let us truly listen to each other and value one another’s thoughts and emotions. Amen.

Prayer 5: Keep Us Rooted in Truth
God, may we always walk in Your truth. Let our marriage reflect Your light. Make our hearts one in honesty and our home a place where truth dwells. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You don’t have to walk through this alone.
Let’s talk—book your free 20-minute Heart-to-Heart Call with me today. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back and take your first step toward healing.
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Before the Ring Is What Matters Most!

Before the vows, is a sacred space. It’s a time to pause and reflect, not with fear but faith.

  • What are we doing well?
  • How do we handle conflict and forgiveness?
  • What are our shared values and spiritual direction?
  • What has God already taught us—and what is He still showing us?

These are not tests to pass or fail. They are invitations to grow, to build, and to prepare.

I created the free guide: 10 Questions Every Couple Should Ask Before the Ring. It’s not a checklist—it’s a tool for clarity, communication, and confirmation. It helps couples slow down and see not just the red flags—but the real, God-given strengths they already carry.

10 Questions Every Couple Should Ask Before the Ring is what you need!
CLICK HERE FOR GUIDE

Know a Couple Who Needs Clarity Before the Ring?

If you know someone who’s seriously dating or newly engaged, I’d be honored if you referred them to Before the Ring. When they complete the program, I’ll send you a $25 Amazon Gift Card as a thank-you—have them mention your name when they sign up.

Grow in grace,
Deborah