THE GODLY RESPONSE TO BETRAYAL? Betrayal is painful, sobbering, emotionally deflating and often because it comes from people you loved or never thought they would turn on you. From betraying a confidence to betraying a relatonship. David knew it. Jesus knew it from Judas chosing money over Him and indeed the twelve He chose all fled in His hour of need. Paul also knew betrayal. And so we see in Scripture it is not new, nor is it new to you or me should we experience it. But how are we to respond?
- Vengence seems “sweet” to the soul but is a self poisionous act that is inconsistent with God’s way for us as Followers of The LORD Jesus Christ.
OUR FOUNDATION;
Know thar He has provided for us everything pertaing to life and Godliness and precious and magnificent promises and His Spirit to enable, empower, guide us to follow Him according to 2 Peter 1:3-4; Philippians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:10, for this time and tral in our life. Take time to read theses verses. Draw hope from them.
So, how should we Respond in a way consistent with God’s will and ways for us when betrayed….
1.- EXTEND FORGIVENESS
“Father Forgive them…” Luke 23:34
“Forgive just as God in Christ has forgiven you. ” Eph 4:31-32
2,- DONT CHOOSE VENEGENCE BUT GIVE KINDNESS;
“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”” – Rom 12;20
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.… -1 Peter 3:9-11.
3,- ASSURANCE TO THOSE BETRAYED;
Psalm 27:10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD cares for me.
4.- PRACTICE These 4-
Luke 6:27-28- “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”
Psalm 55:16–17 I call upon God, and the Lord will deliver me. Morning, noon, and night, I mulled over these things and cried out in my distress, and he heard my voice.
5.- GOD’S INTERVENTIONS
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14
6.- INTIMACY WITH CHRIST THROUGH SUFFERING
“that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and ]the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;”- Phil 3:10
Betrayal is painful, it is never seen coming, but it comes. Remember others have experienced it like Job, David, Paul, the Lord Jesus .. and as we read we see we are called to RESPOND in a different, un natural way, a new way, a God granted, empowered way. The way of love, forgiveness, deliberate attitude and acts of kindness….”… ourselves your servants, for Jesus sake”- 2 Cor 4:5.
I read these two quotes in regards BETRAYAL…
- “The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.
- Forgiveness doesn’t excuse their behavior. Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.”
You need not Betray the Love and power of Christ you have, to receive from Him to impart to others. Have you chosen to Forgive, Return kindness, do good to them. Have you prayed for them? Go on the Godly offensive and choose to forgive, be kind, do good, pray for them…. “Love never fails…”
God Bless,
Aidan.