Betrayal

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. (Proverbs 19:5)

Realizing we have been betrayed is one of the worst experiences we will ever suffer through. Most of us have felt betrayed at some point in our lives. Deep in our hearts betrayal makes us feel like we are breaking in two and will never recover but, with God’s help, we do recover, and in His love, we can thrive.

Some betrayal or misdeed is a momentary lapse. Judas Iscariot was not always a betrayer. Satan entered him at that moment in time. If someone does us wrong, it may be a momentary lapse where evil has entered their thoughts and actions. Pray for them, forgive, and love them, God will chase the evil out. Holding a grudge does no good for anyone.

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. (Luke 22:3-6)

Some betrayal is just evil fighting against us. There is a force opposite of God in this world that we have named the devil or Satan. God has told us about him and to be wary of his influence. He is a fallen angel who was thrown out of God’s presence because of his pride. His pride continues to influence the world making those around us who don’t know God, concerned only for their own pleasure and success.

The closer we become to God, the more we are protected against and, able to recognize the evil around us. The Holy Spirit teaches us and makes us aware of those who are not trustworthy. We begin to feel in our ‘gut’ who is truthful and who is not, and we realize just who we are in a battle against. We need the armor of God to survive betrayal.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ...(Ephesians 6:10-18)

The most agonizing betrayal comes from those we trust. God asks us to forgive them as He has forgiven us, and we say, “How God?” Forgiving a betrayal comes only through a lot of prayer and anguish. It is not easy but true forgiveness gives us the ability to rejoice in the situation, knowing that God makes good out of bad for those who love Him. We may not see the good yet, but we know it is coming.

Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. (Psalm 41:9)

We are not required to be best buddies with the betrayer again, but we are required to forgive them. Harboring hate in our hearts damages every part of our lives and relationships. It can affect future relationships causing us to guard our hearts and feelings instead of choosing to trust. 

In our time on this earth, we will all feel betrayed at one time or another. Knowing this, we can be prepared, discerning the spirits of those around us, living a Godly life, and treating others how we would like to be treated. God has laid it all out for us. Obey God and live. Betray others as Judas did and die. Forgive those who have betrayed us. God will make it right.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)

It is time for us to stand strong with God’s armor, fighting the evil that surrounds us. We often want to repay evil with evil, but that is not the way. Using the tools of love and forgiveness for those who betray us is the way to win the war. Repay evil with good, hatred with forgiveness, cruelty with kindness, betrayal with honesty and all good things will come through Christ.

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)

Prayer: Oh Lord Jesus, we hurt so much when we are betrayed. We want to trust everyone and believe that they are good, but evil abounds here, and we are in the midst of it. Please help us through our pain to see the good in the world that comes only from You. Help us to forgive those who betray us. Don’t allow evil to enter us and cause us to be arrogant or greedy and betray someone else. Let your love shine through us even when we are hurting or humiliated by a betrayal. Let the world see that our trust is in You. Amen

My book Fresh Fruit Meditations on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit can be ordered from Amazon or Goodreads.com.  Also available at Chritian Bookstores or on Kindle.  Thank you. Jennifer Chamberlain