by Pastor Troy V. Ingram
Matt. 26:23- And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
To be betrayed is one of the most horrible things to experience as a human being. Yet someone in our family, or one of our friends, could do it at anytime. We cannot be betrayed by a stranger, for there is no connection of the heart with them. What is most hurtful about betrayal is that it happens unexpectedly and usually by someone you would not suspect. Someone you loved, respected, and trusted. Betrayal has been equated with being stabbed in the back. Many never get over the breach of trust. I know of a few who have suffered nervous breakdowns. Some have been so seriously damaged that it altered their character in some way. Praise God we can overcome betrayal with love. Charity (love) never fails (I Cor. 13:8a). Jesus could not save Judas, the son of perdition (John 17:12), but He still loved him!
Things that hurt us initially could make us stronger when the pain subsides. If we stay angry, remain unforgiving, live in bitterness or resentment at the ones who have betrayed us, then we are not walking in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit releases power to us to do those things which are beyond our ability to do. He will teach us how to love those who have offended us. However, His help depends upon our obedience to the Word of God to forgive. If we don’t forgive, neither will God forgive us (Mark 11:26). No matter how terrible the atrocity committed against you or I, we cannot allow it to dictate and control our thoughts—talk—and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). Also, do not even think of revenge; it belongs to God (Rom. 12:9). Your flesh will not feel enjoy walking in God’s Will, but in the long run you will be filled with joy that you did.