Those who don’t know the value of loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal
What is betrayal? Well, here is the dictionary definition of be·tray
1 : to lead astray ; especially : seduce
2 : to deliver to an enemy by treachery
3 : to fail or desert especially in time of need
4 a: to reveal unintentionally b : show, indicate
c : to disclose in violation of confidence
I define betrayal as, when someone hurts you by cheating, lying, abusing, neglecting, denying, abandoning, manipulating, and gossiping; and are some of the deepest wounds a person can endure. When you care about and trust someone enough to be honest, loyal, protective, faithful, and supportive, it sure can do some damage to your heart & soul when they betray the trust you gave them. No one likes to be betrayed, no matter how small the betrayal is!
We have all been betrayed, but depending on who betrayed us will depend on the amount of time it will take for us to heal. Sadly, sometimes the people you deeply believe would never betray you are, indeed, the ones that do; and that can change who you are by weakening your faith, your trust, your heart, and your ability to forgive & heal quickly.
Yes, even Jesus was betrayed many times…
Mark 14:27, 44-46 On the way, Jesus told them (his disciples), “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
Mark 14:29-31 Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
Luke 22:61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Mark 14:44-46 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss. Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
Mark 14:50 Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.
I believe that most of us “perceive others as we are”, whether we are genuine or phony, giving or selfish, honest or deceptive etc, and for those of us who are genuinely honest or fiercely loyal, we can easily be tricked by “false” hope and trust in others by perceiving them the same way. When we have been hurt so many times over after blindly trusting that other people would do the same for you as you would for them, it tends to scar our hearts, minds, and souls. Becoming vulnerable again and trusting that this person, or this time will be different, is much easier said than done and can become increasingly difficult after each time it occurs!
Don’t let your past experiences or hurts block your ability to trust, love, or forgive again, but use them as wisdom to be more perceptive to those around you and your circumstances. Don’t give someone else that power to control your feelings and life choices! This does not mean you will not be betrayed ever again, it just means that you can go into it with your eyes & mind wide open, but your heart guarded.
Pray for those who hurt you & learn to forgive…for that will bring peace into your heart, mind, and soul!
Prayers, love & blessings..
❤ Blessed Mama ❤
