14 min 34 sec

Worthy of Her Trust: What You Need to Do to Rebuild Sexual Integrity and Win Her Back

By Stephen Arterburn, Jason B. Martinkus

A comprehensive manual for men dedicated to restoring their marriages after infidelity. It provides a practical, step-by-step framework for rebuilding broken trust through radical honesty, spiritual commitment, and consistent, transparent actions.

Table of Content

Trust is often compared to a delicate vase: once it is shattered, even the most skillful repair leaves visible seams. For many men who have struggled with sexual integrity or infidelity, the damage can feel permanent, leaving them and their partners in a state of perpetual heartbreak. However, the path toward restoration is not impossible; it simply requires a level of dedication and radical change that most men have never previously considered. This journey is not about finding a quick fix or offering a temporary apology, but about becoming an entirely different kind of man—one who is truly worthy of his wife’s confidence.

At the heart of this process is the story of Jason Martinkus, who experienced the devastating consequences of addiction and betrayal firsthand. From an early exposure to pornography in childhood to a cycle of lies and affairs that nearly cost him his marriage and his life, his history serves as a mirror for many struggling with similar patterns. His eventual epiphany—crying out for help while on the brink of despair—marked the beginning of a grueling but redemptive decade of healing.

Through his collaboration with Stephen Arterburn, a veteran in the field of sexual integrity, a clear framework emerges. It is a framework built on the understanding that rebuilding a relationship is a daily choice to lean into conflict rather than avoid it. In this summary, we will explore the common misconceptions that keep couples stuck in the past, the non-negotiable principles that form the foundation of a new life, and a specific, structured method for healing old wounds. The throughline here is simple but profound: earning trust is not a matter of what you say, but a matter of who you are becoming in every small, quiet moment of your life. If you are ready to do the hard work of transformation, this guidance provides the map for the long road home.

Many men fail to rebuild their relationships because they rely on false assumptions about how healing works. Learn why time, prayer, and simply stopping the bad behavior are not enough.

Rebuilding trust requires moving beyond the absence of lies to a state of radical openness. Discover why your word must become your most sacred bond.

Restoration is not a solo mission. Learn how to build a support system of honorable men and create a workspace that protects your integrity.

Trust-building isn’t just about what you avoid; it’s about the depth of connection you create. Explore a new definition of intimacy that goes beyond the physical.

Dredging up the past can be scary, but it is necessary for progress. Follow this structured approach to address triggers and foster empathy.

Rebuilding a marriage after a breach of sexual integrity is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks a man will ever undertake. It requires the dismantling of the ego, the surrender of privacy, and a relentless commitment to a truth that can sometimes be painful. As we have seen, the journey starts by rejecting the myths that time or simple behavior modification will suffice. It demands a new foundation built on radical honesty, total transparency, and a support system of accountability that keeps a man’s integrity from wavering.

Through the structural truths of maintaining workplace boundaries and keeping one’s word in the smallest details, a man slowly earns the right to be heard again. By applying the seven-step process to heal the past, he demonstrates the empathy required to truly see his wife’s pain and value it above his own comfort. This is not a project with a defined end date; rather, it is the beginning of a lifelong dedication to being a man of honor.

The restoration of trust is a marathon, not a sprint. It is found in the quiet moments of choosing honesty when a lie would be easier, and in the persistent effort to stay vulnerable when old habits would suggest withdrawing. While the scars of the past may remain, they can become a testament to the power of redemption. If you commit to these principles and the daily work of transformation, you can move from a place of brokenness to a future where you are, once again, truly worthy of her trust. The path is set before you; the only question is whether you are willing to take the first step and never look back.

About this book

What is this book about?

This guide addresses the deep emotional and relational wreckage caused by sexual betrayal and infidelity. It moves beyond simple apologies, offering a rigorous roadmap for men who are serious about winning back their wives' confidence and heart. The core promise of the book is that while trust is easily shattered, it can be painstakingly rebuilt through a combination of debunking common myths, adhering to non-negotiable truths, and following a specific seven-step healing process. By exploring the personal journey of author Jason Martinkus and the professional insights of Stephen Arterburn, the narrative provides both hope and a high bar for personal change. It emphasizes that restoration is not a destination but a continuous lifestyle of integrity. Listeners will find a blend of spiritual grounding and practical behavioral shifts, from managing technology access to setting strict workplace boundaries, all aimed at creating a safe environment where a betrayed spouse can eventually feel secure again.

Book Information

Rating:

Genra:

Personal Development, Religion & Spirituality, Sex & Relationships

Topics:

Behavior Change, Boundaries, Marriage, Religion, Trust

Publisher:

Penguin Random House

Language:

English

Publishing date:

August 19, 2014

Lenght:

14 min 34 sec

About the Author

Stephen Arterburn

Jason B. Martinkus is a minister, speaker, and the president of Redemptive Living, an organization focused on counseling men through issues of sexual integrity. He holds a master's degree in counseling. Stephen Arterburn is a well-known author and the founder of New Life Ministries. He hosts the talk show New Life Live and established the Women of Faith conferences. Arterburn has authored numerous best-sellers, including Every Man’s Battle.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings at a glance

3.1

Overall score based on 156 ratings.

What people think

Listeners find this book outstanding and packed with useful guidance, noting its particular value for porn addiction recovery according to one listener. It provides validation for betrayed spouses while assisting in the restoration of trust, with one listener describing it as a lifesaver for their marriage. Listeners appreciate its deep insights, with one mentioning how effectively it articulates feelings and aids in saving relationships. They find it humbling and well worth the cost.

Top reviews

Suphan

This resource is a literal lifesaver for couples drowning in the aftermath of betrayal. Martinkus doesn't just offer empty platitudes; he provides a rigorous, step-by-step roadmap for men who have shattered their wives' hearts through infidelity or porn addiction. Truth is, the emphasis on radical transparency—giving her access to every phone, account, and secret—is exactly what most 'recovery' books miss. It validates the betrayed spouse's need for security without making her feel like a 'control freak.' I found the section on the eight myths of trust-building to be particularly eye-opening, as it dismantles the lie that time alone heals all wounds. If you are serious about saving your marriage, you have to be willing to do the hard work of restitution outlined here. It is humbling, painful, and absolutely necessary for true restoration.

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Seksan

Picked this up specifically to help navigate a friend's marriage crisis, and I was floored by the depth of the restitution framework. The LEGO metaphor—building something new from the pieces of a smashed sculpture—is a perfect visual for the messy process of recovery. Not gonna lie, some of the requirements Martinkus suggests, like dropping social media or having multiple accountability partners, might seem extreme to some. However, for a woman who has been betrayed, these 'nonnegotiables' are the only things that provide actual safety. The book successfully bridges the gap between the husband’s guilt and the wife’s need for validation. It’s an essential tool for any man who is truly broken in spirit and ready to stop making excuses for his 'fallen' nature. It’s worth every penny for the clarity it provides.

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Ern

As a man struggling with the fallout of porn addiction, I found Martinkus's vulnerability to be the wake-up call I desperately needed. He doesn't pull any punches when describing the devastation caused by secrecy. The most powerful takeaway for me was the distinction between forgiveness and trust; your wife can forgive you instantly while still not trusting you for years, and that is her right. This book moved me to tears as I realized how my demands for 'privacy' were actually just smoke screens for my own selfishness. It provides a very practical blueprint for how to handle questions, triggers, and the long road of sanctification. While the tone is deeply religious, the action steps are incredibly grounded in reality. It is a humbling read that forces you to choose between your ego and your marriage.

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Supranee

Wow, this book hits hard. I’ve read a lot of marriage help books, but few address the specific agony of sexual betrayal with this much empathy for the wife. The author makes it clear that the burden of rebuilding is 100% on the husband, which is a refreshing change from books that try to find 'fault on both sides' in cases of infidelity. To be fair, it’s an arduous process he describes—checking in constantly, giving up all privacy, and facing the past without flinching. But the results, as shown in his own marriage, are beautiful. The focus on Jesus Christ as the center of recovery is not just a footnote; it is the foundation of everything he teaches. This isn't just a memoir; it's a manual for becoming a man of integrity. Highly recommended for any couple in the trenches of healing.

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Leo

Building trust back is like working with a pile of shattered LEGO bricks—it takes time, a blueprint, and a lot of patience. This book provides that blueprint. I was particularly struck by the advice on 'restitution' and the idea that we have to give up freedoms we think we deserve in order to earn back the privilege of being trusted. Frankly, it’s a tough pill to swallow. But seeing it through the lens of my wife’s pain changed my perspective entirely. The focus on accountability partners—multiple ones, not just one—is a game changer. If you are tired of the cycle of relapsing and lying, buy this book. It’s an investment in a future where you don’t have to hide anymore. It truly saved my marriage when I thought it was over.

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Joy

Ever wonder why your wife still doesn't trust you even though you stopped the bad behavior months ago? This book answers that question with brutal honesty, explaining that simply 'not sinning' isn't the same as actively rebuilding a shattered foundation. I really appreciated the practical advice regarding travel and accountability partners, though I'll admit the writing style felt a bit repetitive in the middle sections. To be fair, Stephen Arterburn’s name is on the cover, but this is clearly Jason Martinkus’s story and perspective, which might surprise some readers. The focus on spiritual growth as the primary engine for change is a strong point, yet it might feel a bit heavy-handed for those looking for a purely clinical approach. Overall, it’s a solid guide that pushes for real, measurable change rather than just apologies.

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Laddawan

The chapter on the eight myths of rebuilding trust should be mandatory reading for every man in recovery. Many of us think that if we just pray enough or stay clean for a few weeks, things should go back to normal, but this book kills that fantasy. Personally, I liked the focus on 'becoming forgivable' rather than just demanding forgiveness. My only real gripe is that Stephen Arterburn’s contribution felt like a series of brief cameos rather than a co-authorship. Martinkus carries the weight of the book, which is fine because his story is compelling, but the marketing is slightly misleading. Still, the advice on transparency and the 'seven steps' to healing are gold. It’s a heavy read, but if you’re at the end of your rope, it offers a glimmer of hope that a new, better marriage is possible.

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Kru

After hearing so much about the New Life Ministries approach, I finally dove into this guide. It’s a very practical counseling tool, especially the sections on how to handle business travel and avoiding 'sketchy' situations. I appreciated the honesty about how a wife feels—the insecurity and the constant fear—and how a husband’s silence only fuels those fires. My one criticism is that the writing can be a bit dry and repetitive, as if the same points are being hammered home in every chapter. However, maybe that’s necessary for men who are thick-headed about their own sin. It lacks some of the psychological nuance I’ve seen in other secular books, but it more than makes up for it with spiritual conviction and clear, actionable boundaries.

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Natnicha

Finally got around to reading this after a recommendation from my pastor. It is a very direct, no-nonsense look at what it takes to mend a relationship scarred by sexual deviancy. While I think it could have delved deeper into the emotional roots of addiction, its strength lies in the 'how-to' of daily life. For instance, the advice on not erasing text or call histories seems small, but it’s a huge deal for a wife trying to feel safe again. I gave it four stars because it feels a bit one-dimensional at times, focusing almost exclusively on the husband's actions without much on the wife’s individual healing process. Nevertheless, for the man who is asking 'what do I do now?', this book has the answers. It’s practical, biblically sound, and deeply convicting.

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Cha

Not what I expected, and frankly, I found the gendered assumptions quite problematic. Having read 'Every Man’s Battle' years ago, I was hoping for a more updated or nuanced perspective on relationship dynamics, but this felt like more of the same toxic theology. The book almost entirely ignores the possibility of emotional abuse or complex trauma, focusing instead on a very specific type of 'wayward husband' narrative. Look, if you subscribe to a very traditional, patriarchal view of marriage, you might find value here. But for those of us looking for psychological depth or a more balanced view of partnership, it falls short. The advice feels simplistic and lacks empirical backing, relying almost entirely on the author's anecdotal experience. It’s a pass for me, as the logical fallacies regarding 'male nature' are just too glaring to ignore.

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