When You’ve Been Betrayed - Beloved Women - March 28, 2024
READ: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19 ESV)
TODAY'S ENCOURAGEMENT: At some point, it happens to everyone. While minding our own business someone unsuspectingly betrays us. And just like that, we are left breathless in a fog of disbelief. “Did this really happen?” we question, though we already know the answer. It did. He said those words. She told that lie. It was posted on Facebook. That secret was shared. He took advantage of you. We were betrayed.
Soon after betrayal, we may be tempted to seek revenge. This is because getting even feels good - real good - at the moment. Inwardly we are justified and vindicated; our wrong is righted. In those moments, we find ourselves seduced by an innate desire to level the playing field. We want them to pay now. We want to stop hurting now. We want justice now.
Only God, however, can dish out true justice because only He is completely aware of a man’s sin. He knows everything. When we try to issue out our own punishments, we place ourselves in God’s judgment seat. This is a place we are not fit to occupy. In due time, God will judge our betrayer. Any attempt at revenge is futile and foolish. Our job is to focus on becoming like Christ, even in betrayal.
PRAY: Dear God, Thank You that Your Word says You are concerned about the things that concern me. Please help me to forgive my offender and trust that You will avenge me. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
REFLECT: Is there someone who has betrayed you that you need to forgive?
CONNECT: Connect with Kia Stephens at www.kiastephens.com or on Instagram @KiaNStephens.
MORE BELOVED: Join Beloved Women for our current online Bible Study “Worth More Than Rubies: A Bible Study on the 7 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.” Too often when we think of what it means to be a godly woman we focus on what women do instead of who we were created to be. Learn how to cultivate the heart of a Proverbs 31 woman by joining our study “Worth More Than Rubies” at https://www.belovedwomen.org/rubies.
© 2021 by Kia Stephens. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
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Originally published Thursday, 28 March 2024.
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