THE BITTERNESS OF BETRAYAL

THE BITTERNESS OF BETRAYAL

The simple definition of betrayal is for someone to be disloyal. Someone close to us has probably betrayed most of us during our lifetime.  Being “betrayed” by someone we trusted is one of the most painful experiences in life. We feel hurt, depressed and angry. It is a horrible experience. It is hard to get to the point of forgiveness towards someone who has betrayed us in such a painful way.

King David knew the sting and bitterness of betrayal. His son Absalom and Ahitophel, one of David’s closest officials and counselor betrayed him. Absalom and Ahitophel “betrayed” David by joining together in a conspiracy to overthrow him so that Absalom could ascend to the throne. They gathered together an army and King David had to flee for his life. Their evil plan didn’t work and in the end both of them died. Ahitophel hanged himself. (2 Samuel 17:23) KJV Absalom was on a mule. “The mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair while the mule he was riding kept on going.”(2 Samuel 18:9-10) NIV David could have felt relieved and happy when he was told of Absalom’s death.  Instead, he wept. (2 Samuel 18:33) NIV It is plain to see in this scripture that David still loved and forgave Absalom after being betrayed by him.

David wrote from his heart about being betrayed by a close friend. “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9-10) NIV David turns away from the one who had stabbed him in the back and looks instead to the Lord for mercy. Of all the sorrows of life, this is certainly one of the bitterest---to be betrayed by one who has had close association with us.  It is a sorrow that Jesus experienced in the betrayal of Judas. (John 13:21) NIV Judas belonged to the inner circle of the disciples who were closest to Jesus. Judas became remorseful when he realized what he had done and went out and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:5) KJV

Benedict Arnold betrayed his country.  George Washington and Benedict Arnold were great leaders fighting for the same cause against the British in the American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence. Today, George Washington is remembered as a great American legend for all the good he did for his country. Benedict Arnold is remembered as a traitor for his “treachery and betrayal” against his own country.

Several years ago a close friend betrayed me. The betrayal came as a complete shock to me. I can honestly say, “I didn’t see it coming.” I was speechless. How could such a trusted friend be so cruel? Our friendship lay in shambles. I wept. I found out later it was because of envy and jealousy this person harbored in their heart against me. I never had a clue. It is said that people come into our lives for a REASON…a SEASON…or a LIFE TIME. This person came into my life for a REASON. I was severely tested. I learned that character is both developed and revealed when we are “betrayed” by someone close to us. We can choose to become “bitter” or better.” We can hold on to the emotional hurt or we can forgive. I chose to “forgive” and to become “better.” I am a “victor” and not a “victim.”