The Often Debilitating Emotional Trauma of Betrayal

Overcoming betrayal is a challenging but always possible with God. Jesus knew betrayal above all, especially the way He was betrayed by Judas! It’s only when we turn to the Bible for guidance and strength that we can begin to heal and understand how the ‘supernatural’ plays a huge role in healing. The major theme throughout the Bible is the power of what we can’t see, not what we can.

Below are some encouraging insights and verses to help. Without exception, in my recovery coaching practice, one of the most common threads for all clients has been betrayal. If not dealt with, it can lead to guilt and shame which is m ore difficult to overcome once it sets in. That said, let’s work to avoid it.

The goal in healing, is to “put on the mind of Christ” which gives permission to the Holy Spirit to take over. God is a ‘gentleman’. He never forces you to do anything. Instead, He leaves it up to your own free will. You are going to need to feed His Spirit with Scripture in order to accomplish this. Betrayal is the struggle, and Bible verses will be your strength to overcome!

1. God’s Faithfulness: In times of betrayal, it’s essential to remember that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He provides a way for us to escape the temptation and gives us the strength to endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

2. Endurance and Reward: Enduring betrayal and trials with patience and faithfulness will lead to receiving the crown of life promised by the Lord to those who love Him. This encourages us to persevere despite the challenges we face. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

3. Overcoming Evil with Good: The Bible teaches us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21). We must respond to betrayal with love and kindness, following the example of Jesus who overcame the world. John 16:33 says, .“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

4. Confidence in the Lord: We are encouraged to have confidence in Jesus. Hebrews 10:35 says, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” Trusting in God’s plan and His promises can help us navigate through the pain of betrayal.

5. Support and Encouragement: It’s important to surround ourselves with a community of believers who can comfort and support us during times of affliction and distress 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Your recovery coach canbe a great source of comfort as she walks alongside you during your healing process.

6. Spiritual Armor: Equipping ourselves with the shield of faith is a priority! Ephesians 6:16 tells us, “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”. Strengthening our faith in God’s goodness and protection will shield us from the pain of betrayal.

7. Perseverance and Hope: In Scripture, we are urged to continue in the faith, Acts 14:22 says, ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ This serves as a reminder that our suffering is not in vain and that there is hope beyond betrayal.

By meditating on these teachings and drawing strength from God’s Word, we can find comfort, guidance, and encouragement in overcoming betrayal and moving forward with faith and resilience.

None of this has to make sense to our human minds; it only has to make sense to God. He will honor what He tells us to do with great rewards. Isaiah 55:9 tells us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Have a blessed rest of your day knowing that God has your back at all times! Put His Word into your heart and mind.