Howdy, everyone!

Pastor Z here.

Have you ever watched The Lion King? 

It’s one of those classic movies that we can’t help but love.

One scene from that movie that to this day I can remember that GUT-WRENCHING moment when Scar betrays Mufasa! 

Scar, Mufasa’s own brother, turns on him and leads him to his death. (Betrayal always comes from the ones who are close to where your heart is)

It’s a betrayal that cuts deep, not just for the characters, but for everyone watching too. And let's not forget Simba, who has to navigate the pain and confusion left in the wake of that betrayal. I will NEVER forget the feeling!

Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences we can go through.

It cuts to the core, leaving us feeling vulnerable and wounded.

David, in Psalm 55:12-14, expressed this pain when he wrote, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my CLOSE friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers."

David’s words resonate because betrayal often comes from those we trust the most.

It's not just the act that hurts, but the breaking of trust and the loss of relationship that wounds us so deeply.

Jesus Knows Our Pain...

We are not alone in our suffering...

Jesus Himself experienced the ultimate betrayal.

Judas, one of His twelve disciples, sold Him out for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).

In His darkest hour, Jesus was betrayed by a kiss – a symbol of friendship turned into a tool of treachery (Luke 22:47-48).

Yet, even in His betrayal, Jesus responded with grace.

Remarkably, after Judas’s betrayal, Jesus didn't dwell on it.

The Gospels don't record Jesus repeatedly bringing up Judas's actions. 

Pause—How many times are we missing out on what God has called us to because we won’t LET GO of what “they” did to us? 

Are you STILL talking about what happened everything their name comes up?

Here is why I bring that up… Jesus never mentioned the betrayal of Judas again.

HOWEVER, Jesus was focused on His mission and continued to teach and prepare His disciples for what was to come.

What If Jesus Stayed in the Tomb?

Imagine if Jesus, wounded by betrayal, had refused to rise from the tomb.

What if He let the sting of betrayal keep Him buried?

Our faith, our hope, and our salvation would be null.

But that's not what happened. Jesus rose from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and betrayal.

The Holy Spirit came upon Him, empowering Him to live resurrected and leave the pain of the past behind.

Romans 8:11 reminds us, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

Just as Jesus overcame betrayal...

....and rose from the tomb,

....we too can rise above our hurts and live in the power of the Holy Spirit.

You gotta forgive...

Healing from betrayal starts with forgiveness.

It’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s essential for our well-being and our walk with Christ.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the pain or pretending it didn’t happen.

It means choosing to release the hold that hurt has on our hearts and trusting God to bring justice and healing.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

This passage calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show kindness and compassion even when we have been wronged.

It's okay to admit that you’re hurt. Acknowledging your pain is the first step toward healing.

Ask God for the strength to forgive. Lean on His understanding and grace.

Holding onto anger and bitterness only harms you. Release it to God and allow Him to heal your heart.

Trust that God sees your pain and will bring justice in His timing. Romans 12:19 reminds us, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."

The sting of betrayal is deep, but God’s love and grace are deeper.  He understands our pain and walks with us through every step of our healing journey.

Forgiveness is not about the person who hurt you; it’s about your relationship with God and your own peace.

By choosing to forgive, you open your heart to God’s healing and allow His peace to fill you.

-PZ

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