When Someone You Love Hurts You

Have you ever been hurt by someone close to you? It took you by surprise and left you hurt?

Jesus understands your pain. One of His closest disciples, who had been with Him for three years, betrayed Him—Judas. Someone so close to Him. Someone he had walked with, taught, and cared for.

Scripture tells us that Jesus was deeply troubled by the betrayal. It cut deep. Perhaps you can relate.

Jesus did not run after Judas, begging him not to do it. He told him to go and do what was already in his heart. He did not plot revenge or cry out, "I've been your friend for three years. I've supported you, walked beside you, and cared for you." Instead, He let him go.

Of course, we know from the story that someone was going to betray Jesus. But did it have to be someone from His inner circle?

You see, the betrayal was already in Judas's heart. He allowed the devil to influence his thoughts about Jesus, and over time, those thoughts took root. He opened his mind to the negative suggestions that were being planted there.

This is something we need to be careful about as well. Negative thoughts, when entertained and nurtured, can lead us far from where God wants us to be.

Jesus allowed Judas to do what he had chosen to do. But when Judas finally came to his senses, he could not live with what he had done.

Revenge is not yours to take, no matter how much you hurt or how unfair the situation may be. God will take care of you. Cast your cares on Him. Trust Him for healing, wisdom, and direction. Then let the person go. What is in their heart will guide them, and you do not want to be drawn into that path.

God has you in His hands, even in your pain. The road may be difficult right now, but if you stay close to your heavenly Father, He will carry you through.

See the story in the Gospel of John 6:64 and 13:11)