Betrayal

I will have to say that betrayal must be one of the most painful emotions a human can experience.  Betrayal is filled with emotion because of such a strong emotional connection. Betrayal by a friend can take a long time to recover from.  There are relationships and deep friendships that never recover from betrayal.

The word betrayal carries with it disloyalty and destruction. Betrayal is treacherously revealing secret or personal information that will expose someone to deep personal pain or embarrassment. Of course, there is betrayal on all sorts of levels in our world.

When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, I have often wondered what went on in Judas’ mind that he would betray his Rabbi. He had surely seen miracles. He had surely seen healings. He had heard the teachings. He orchestrated his betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He betrayed Jesus on the terms of the enemies of Jesus. Check this out…

⁴⁸ The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” ⁴⁹ So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

⁵⁰ Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. (Matthew 26:48-50 NLT)

Betrayal can only be accomplished by a friend or a trusted confidant. It’s clear that enemies want to bring harm. It’s profoundly painful when a close friend inflicts harm by betrayal.

I have had personal experience with betrayal and there is only one way to navigate the pain of betrayal and that is forgiveness. Forgiveness is giving up my right to retaliate or strike back. The betrayer must live with the betrayal and the person betrayed must decide how they will navigate the hurt, pain and embarrassment. I can’t always control other people’s thoughts and actions toward me, but I should be able to manage my thoughts and actions toward them.

Forgiveness is a gift I give to myself. Forgiveness can push out hate. Forgiveness makes room for restoration. Forgiveness invites peace and healing into my heart.

I am so thankful that the Lord has forgiven me of multiple betrayals of Him. I have betrayed Him unintentionally and intentionally.  When I come to terms of my betrayal of the Lord, it’s a bit easier for me to forgive the ones who’ve betrayed me.  I’m living in forgiveness that I don’t deserve, and I’m called to forgive others in the same way.

Pressing On!

Dwayne