Throughout my life, I have experienced many human emotions. Happy, sad, confused, mad. However, I can say that one of the most hurtful emotions I have experienced was betrayal by someone I thought I could call a friend.
Betrayal is the violation of trust, confidence, or loyalty by someone you trusted, which causes harm and disappointment. Examples of betrayal are deception, lying, breaking promises, and neglecting responsibilities and oaths. However, there is good news for us that have been betrayed or facing betrayal - God promises us that he will never leave or forsake us, and he will restore our faith! Deuteronomy 30:3-13; Deuteronomy 31:8; 1 Peter 5:10; Jeremiah 30:17
I find it selfish of me to wallow in upset that I was betrayed when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ experienced the ultimate betrayal as he completed his purpose here on Earth. Beginning with his disciple Peter who denied knowing Jesus three times after Jesus’s arrest. Jesus had predicted that Peter would disown him three times before a rooster crowed the next day. Peter exclaimed that he loved Jesus and would never deny him, even if he had to die with him; yet Peter did deny Jesus three times. After Peter had denied Jesus for the third time, he had heard the rooster crow and he recalled Jesus’s prediction.
And what about Judas? Judas was one of Jesus’s twelve disciples; however, he handed Jesus over to the Roman authorities for thirty pieces of silver. He identified Jesus with a kiss and led the soldiers to arrest him. Judas’s betrayal of Jesus resulted in Jesus being arrested and shortly after crucified. The Bible states that Jesus did not publicly accuse Judas of betrayal, even though he knew it was going to occur.
If you have been betrayed, it is important to first acknowledge your feelings. It hurts to know someone has made the decision to knowingly deceive you, and it is okay to feel the pain and disappointment that you may feel. However, know that the act of betrayal does not define or devalue you. It reflects the character of the person who deceived you, and you should not confide and trust in that person the same anymore. Psalm 41:9
In healing from betrayal, please give yourself self-care. Please do not sink into depression or participate in negative behavior such as overspending or overeating. Instead, remain positive, eat healthy foods and snacks, and drink lots of water. Take the time to take walks, exercise and do those things that continually boost your self-esteem. Find or strengthen your interest in new or even existing hobbies and interests. Surround yourself with people that you can trust and confide in. Always remember that this too shall pass! 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
Journaling and praying to God about the betrayal you are experiencing in your life is ideal as well. Having a conversation with our Lord God about what is transpiring and seeking his wisdom and guidance is crucial in overcoming betrayal. For instance, following prayer and supplication God could show you that what you perceived as betrayal could be God protecting you. You should not lean upon our own understanding but rely on God.
He will strengthen and guide you, and he will remove the darkness out of your life and walk with you into the light! John 8:12
Lastly, please forgive those that have betrayed you. Forgiveness is for your own mental and emotional health. Going back to the story of Peter, Jesus forgave Peter for denying him and even restored Peter’s role as apostle. And as for Judas, Jesus forgave Judas. In Luke 23:34, Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even though you have been betrayed, you should give mercy and forgiveness to those who have betrayed you. Forgiving others is for your benefit, and not for them! Ephesians 4:32; Mark 11:25
