Have you ever been betrayed before? Have you ever poured time, energy and love into someone only to be left with a broken heart? There are plenty of people who are takers in this world who only look out for themselves. I’ve learned that betrayal hurts most when you love the hardest. I can only imagine how Jesus must have felt, choosing Judas, teaching him, loving him and showing grace to him. AND at the very end he kneeled down as a servant and washed his feet knowing the entire time, he would be the one to betray him, the Son of God. AND on the cross in agonizing pain, knowing he would die he said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) That is some crazy, hard love our minds cannot fathom.
How many of you would choose to give a pedicure to someone who’s heart was filled with greed and deceit; who you knew would bring you additional pain? If we were honest, we would respond, “No one!” May we open our hearts for God to fill us with His overflowing love, just like Jesus, so we will love hard, even if it means we would be betrayed and hurt in the end.
Let me ask a thought-provoking question that I ask myself when my emotions are high and running wild after being hurt or betrayed by others. If Jesus, who is God’s son, poured absolute pure love and grace into someone and it didn’t change his actions, why do you think people should react differently with you? I know what it feels like to be betrayed. I understand what it feels like when you pour into someone your time, energy, grace and love, and it results in a heart shattering moment. You are not alone, nor are you the only person this has happened too. Remember it is only a moment in your life and moments provide momentum for us to learn and become stronger. Let me encourage you to keep going! God cares deeply about you. (Psalm 31:7) Jesus said in this world we will have trouble. He didn’t say we might or occasionally, he said we will. (John 16:33)
When we come to realize and hold onto truth about God’s word and what He says about us rather than people, our hearts and mind will be at peace. Forgive those who have wronged you. Don’t wait for them to apologize because it may never happen. Be quick to forgive so bitterness and resentment do not take root in your heart. (Colossians 3:13)
God promises He has great plans for you. (Jeremiah 29:11) He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) He promises to take care of your enemies. (Psalm 31:23-24) He promises to bring you a life of abundance. (John 10:10) We can stand on the promise that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Stay encouraged and don’t let people who have wronged you in this life stop you from achieving the amazing plan God has for you. Let it propel you forward and love even harder.
