This is Felicia Ferguson with Christian Mix 106, helping you build faith for the journey.
Betrayal hurts on the deepest level. Our trust in another person has been broken by the actions or words of that person. And if it’s someone we love, the betrayal can be devastating. It can suck the life and love out of a relationship damaging it beyond repair. Or we can recognize the person’s intent was not malicious and move forward. Both situations require forgiveness, but how do we know when to repair and when to walk away?
Jesus demonstrated both avenues for us in the hours before he went to the cross. That time is known as “the night he was betrayed.” What were the betrayals? Judas helped the authorities to arrest him and Peter denied knowing him three times. The relationship with Judas was not repaired, while the relationship with Peter was.
While we can’t see into the person’s heart the way God can, we can pray for wisdom and then trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. If our betrayers, like Judas, are not sorry, don’t try to make amends, or worse gloat about their actions to others, it’s a sure sign the relationship can’t and likely shouldn’t be mended. But if they are like Peter, grieved by their actions, truly sorry, and wanting to do better, then restoration of the relationship can and should be done.
Walking away from a broken trust may be the best thing that could happen, but repairing it may be even better. Always ask God first for his insight. Only he knows where forgiveness will lead.
This is Felicia Ferguson. Thanks for listening to Christian Mix 106.