BETRAYED BUT NOT DESTROYED

[Elder Dreama Gore]

Most people have been hurt and or betrayed in some way and as a result, they lose their ability to trust. There are people who wear their distrust like a badge or trophy. When we encounter them, their very demeanor telegraphs their hurt, anger and lack of trust. Betrayal provokes such strong emotions within us. First there is the shock. We very seldom, if ever see a betrayal coming. Even if someone has a history of betrayals, we will convince ourselves they will not do the same to us. Then comes the hurt. Brokenness settles over us like a cloud. After we grow tired of feeling sorry for ourselves, the anger comes followed by a need for revenge. Webster's Dictionary defines betrayal as, to help the enemy [Well betrayal certainly does that!], to deliver or expose to an enemy traitorously, to lead astray; deceive; specifically, to seduce and then desert [The source of a great deal of misery.], to break faith with [Oh, there goes the trust!]; fail to meet the hopes of. The Greek word for betray is paradidomi and it means to surrender, yield up or put in prison. Yes betrayals have been known to cause people to lock themselves away in a prison of distrust. Psalms 118:9 says, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." I once heard it said that if you love, you will be betrayed. Is that a license to withhold yourself from loving, absolutely not. God is love and we were created in His image and in His likeness. However, it is an admonishment to keep a proper perspective of people. If you do not trust, you risk locking yourself away in a prison of suspicion.
John 13 tells the story of Jesus' betrayals. Yes Judas betrayed Jesus but so did Peter. Peter is an example of how a relationship can be shattered by betrayal and still be put back together. Jesus knew that he was going to be betrayed and the scripture says, He loved them. Think about how many times we betray Jesus and yet He loves and forgives us. Our betrayals no doubt hurt Him but His forgiveness allows us to once again be intimate with Him. So yes, if you love, you will be betrayed. However, do not betray your destiny because of it. What if Jesus had gotten angry and vengeful rather than loving us enough to die for us? Love and trust go hand in hand. Love mankind but trust God.


BETRAYAL HURTS BUT LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SIN!!!