HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 38
page A36
Betrayal continued
• PSA L M 5 5 :2 0 -2 2 | As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.
His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. . . . Give your burdens to the
Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Being betrayed is like suddenly hitting a sheet of ice while driving. Our basis for trust is
gone, and we go into a dangerous skid. But when we turn to the Lord, it is like throwing
sand on the road, restoring us to safety.
• H E B R E W S 4 :1 5 | This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses.
There is comfort in the fact that because Jesus was betrayed, he personally understands
your pain. He who has the power to help you has experienced your hurt himself.
• L U K E 2 2 :3 3 -3 4 | Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die
with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows
tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
• E PH E S I A NS 4 :3 1 -3 2 | Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as
well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Continue to love and forgive those who betray you, as Jesus did (John 21:15-19). Love the
betrayer, not the act of betrayal.
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• J E R E MI A H 1 2 :6 | “Even your brothers, members of your own family, have turned against
you. They plot and raise complaints against you. Do not trust them, no matter how
pleasantly they speak.”
• MAT T H E W 1 0 :1 6 | “Be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
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When you realize you cannot trust a particular person, act wisely and take steps to keep from
getting hurt again. If you know someone is going to betray you, prepare yourself. Don’t fall for
that person’s flattery. Think through how you will respond to the gossip that will spread about
you. But you can do this without retaliation—with kind words and a forgiving heart. You can
avoid revenge and grant forgiveness while still exercising prudent self-protection.
• G E NE S I S 5 0 :1 9 -2 0 | But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. . . . You intended to harm
me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the
lives of many people.”
Recognize God’s hand in your life. Even when someone betrays you, God can pick up the
pieces and make something good from your painful experience.
• 2 T I MOT H Y 2 :1 3 | If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
When others are unfaithful to you, you can take great comfort in God’s unwavering
faithfulness. Anchor your faith and ultimate trust in the Lord.
• MAT T H E W 6 :1 2 -1 4 | “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those
who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Forgiveness is the only road to freedom. Nothing that anyone has done against you
compares with what you have done against God. Refusing to forgive another means
you don’t realize just how much God has forgiven you. A forgiven person forgives.
How can I avoid betraying others?
• MAT T H E W 2 4 :1 0 | “And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.”
• 2 T I MOT H Y 3 :4 | They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and
love pleasure rather than God.
Obey God and love each other. If you think you are better than others, and if you live to
satisfy your own desires first, you will betray your friends and loved ones.
• PR O V E R B S 1 1 :1 3 | A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can
keep a confidence.
• 1 P E T E R 3 :1 0 | For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”