Have you ever been betrayed?
Betrayal is a violation of trust and can cause one of the most destructive forms inflicted on a person. For many people, the pain of betrayal is worse than physical abuse, deception, or ridicule. Betrayal destroys the foundations of trust.
David personally experienced betrayal: “If the enemy insulted me, I would suffer. If the hater boasted in front of me, I could hide from him. But this is you, my equal, my comrade, my close friend, with whom we had great sincere conversations and went together to the house of God with a crowd of pilgrims ”(Psalm 55: 13–15). The closer the relationship, the stronger the pain of betrayal.
Jesus also knew the pain of betrayal. The worst, most insidious betrayal of all time was Judas’ betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). “Even the close friend I trusted, the one who ate my bread, lifted his heel against me.” — Psalm 40:10, John 13:18. But Christ does not show revenge, bitterness, or anger — quite the opposite. After a treacherous kiss, He turned to Judas as a “friend” (Matthew 26:50).
There is a way in which we overcome the pain of betrayal. Strength can be obtained directly from God and from forgiveness.
After mourning for broken trust, David points out how to survive betrayal. He says: “But I will cry to God, and the Lord will save me. In the evening, morning, and at noon, I lament and cry, and He will hear my voice ”(Psalm 54: 17–18).
The first key is to cry out to God. While we may want to strike back at the traitor, we must bring our pain to Him. “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” -1 Peter 3:9
Another key to overcoming betrayal is remembering Jesus’ example. Jesus taught: “Do not take revenge on him who has done you evil.” Whoever hits you on the right cheek, turn to another … Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. ”- Matthew 5:39, 44. “When He was insulted, He did not respond with insults” (1 Peter 2:23). We must follow example by not responding insult to insult, including betrayal. Believers should do good even to those who hurt them. [Please note — this does not mean that there is no need to seek proper justice in cases of abuse, misconduct, etc. However, the pursuit of such justice should not be motivated by revenge.]
Another powerful key to overcoming the bitterness of betrayal is our God-given ability to forgive the betrayer. The etymology of the word “forgiveness” implies healing, liberation. When we choose to forgive someone, we can do it through personal retribution. We also free ourselves from a life of bitterness. Exchanging our hurt and anger for God’s love is a wonderful, life-giving exchange.
Jesus taught that you should actively “love your neighbor”: “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44. Without a doubt, it is very difficult to forgive someone who betrayed our trust. This is only possible with God (see Luke 18:27).
Those who have experienced the love of the Lord understand what it means to be loved unconditionally and undeservedly. Only with the help of the Spirit can we love and pray for those who try to harm us (Romans 12: 14–21).
