“But Jesus said to him, “Judas,
are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?””
Luke 22:48
Betrayal covered by deceitfulness gives way to a hurt that can leave one speechless. When we lose trust in someone or an institution once believed to be unwavering, the pain is primarily psychological. The range of emotions may lead to anxiety, impact our sense of self-worth, and even create future trust issues. Discovering that a pretended truth is a lie can be devastating and cause some to lose faith in people, depending on the circumstances. The betrayal is motivated by several factors, including the betrayer’s self-preservation due to personal issues, low self-esteem, selfishness, or fear. For the most part, initially, the violation of trust is considered unforgivable. The unbelief has put many of us in a tailspin and left us bewildered about how to move forward after betrayal. However, Matthew provides us with the next steps toward healing for our souls and minds.
“If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done.” Matthew 6:14-15
When someone violates our trust, we are to forgive the one who has wronged us. The course of action allows us to be forgiven for wrongs we have committed against others, even against God. The passage is clear regarding an individual’s response to a betrayal. It’s not based on the intensity of the hurt, whether small or significant; forgiveness is the only response that leads to healing. Betrayal not managed by forgiveness allows bitterness, anger, and revenge to cloud our thoughts. I find that Ephesians 4:32 provides the strongest reason to forgive the betrayer: we have been forgiven. Even the most righteous person among us has offended another, even unintentionally, and found themselves in need of being forgiven. Forgiveness is more for the person who has been wronged than for the person who committed the wrongdoing. Forgiveness helps us let go of hurt and move toward a place of wholeness in our hearts and minds.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God in Christ forgave you. “
Ephesians 4:32
Despite the hurt and pain of betrayal, I choose to forgive the betrayer to claim my healing, which only comes from God._ASA.
Chronicles of ASA 