If you’ve ever felt betrayed by a friend you know that’s a wound that cuts deep.

Jesus said it would happen to Him.
And it did.

“All the disciples forsook Him and fled.” (Matt 26:56) Prophecy was fulfilled. He was on His way to the Cross.

He went alone. He stood alone. His friends deserted Him. Every single one of them.

Yes, if you’ve ever felt betrayed by a friend you know that’s a wound that hurts so very much and something the enemy would love to use to throw us off course.

I was recently hurt by a friend and I’ve noticed my heart wanting to pull away from everyone and turn toward bitterness.

However, I can’t read scripture and believe this is the right response.

Jesus forgave those who betrayed Him and hurt Him. In fact, He went on to build His church through one of them (Peter).

So, as a Christ-follower, I’ve no choice but to let it go.

Does it mean the wrong was not wrong? Not at all.

Does it mean I have to maintain the friendship? Not necessarily, or even at the same level if it is not a healthy one.

But, I absolutely have to forgive and even if the other person hasn’t asked for forgiveness.

If I don’t, then I’m not being like the Christ I say I follow who died for those who hurt Him.

And one more thing, and this is especially hard for some of us…I can’t keep talking about it. I can’t bring it up to every other friend I know. I can’t marinate in the misery of it, I have to move on.

And one thing that helps me move on when I think of it all—when it comes to the hurt Jesus endured, I have to remember it was my sin that put him there.

When reading scripture, it is easy to count ourselves on the side of the Savior, when in reality we’ve probably committed every sin we’ve ever been upset for someone doing to us.

We can’t stand on the side of unforgiveness and be like Christ. There’s no peace to be had there.

And I don’t know about you but I need all the peace I can get.

readMatthew

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