Let go...

Betrayal

One of the worst experiences is the feeling of being betrayed. The idea that someone has let you down is hard to come to grips with and it leaves a mark in your heart. Sometimes, that mark will linger making it hard to trust or to forgive. But no matter what the circumstances are, I want you to know that in Christ there is healing and hope.

First of all, I want to remind you that Jesus, our Savior suffered betrayal. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, betrayed Jesus with a kiss for some money (Luke 22:47-63). Judas was one the guys from his inner circle. He was the treasurer too. His betrayal ruined Jesus’ reputation and led him to his death. So yes, Jesus knows what it’s like to have someone close betray you. Jesus understands your pain. He understands the disappointment and hurt you feel.

Second, I want to encourage you to forgive those who hurt you. Choose to let go. Refuse to become a prisoner of bitterness and resentment. Forgiveness means to cancel the debt that is owed. When we are betrayed, it is easy to sum up all that is owed to us, but I’d like to remind you that Jesus has forgiven us and continues to forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15, Psalm 103:12). If he has forgiven us for so much and we can never repay him, how can we not forgive those who hurt us? If God has extended his grace so freely to us, how can we not extend that same grace to those who hurt us? Someone once said “ unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get hurt.”

When we choose to forgive and let go, it opens up a space for God to work in us.

Maybe at this point you feel like you can’t forgive. Maybe you are overwhelmed with anger, hurt and so many other emotions. I want to remind you that because God’s Spirit lives in you, you can forgive. You can forgive even if your feelings say the contrary. God will not ask us to do something he has not empowered us to do. Although the pain is great, our God is greater than the pain. Although the hurt aches in your heart, our God is greater than the ache. You see, we serve a God who is mighty to save us in any circumstance that comes our way.

So my dear sister: You are not alone. God understands you. God sees you. God hears you. Jesus understands the pain of betrayal. He is with you every step and He will see that you get through this. Trust him. Choose to forgive and allow God’s healing power to work in your heart.