When Trust Breaks: Responding Like Jesus

Have you ever been blindsided by someone close to you—someone you trusted—who turned around and hurt you? It’s one of the hardest things to walk through. Betrayal cuts deep because it comes from those we least expect.

Jesus knows that sting. He had Judas sitting at His very table. The One who washed Judas’ feet also knew Judas would sell Him out. And yet, Jesus didn’t plot revenge. He didn’t harden His heart. Instead, He showed us the way of love and surrender.

Pray for Your Enemies

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44:

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

That’s not an easy instruction, but it’s a freeing one. When we choose prayer over payback, we’re handing the battle over to God. We’re saying, “Lord, You see it all. You know the truth. You fight for me.”

Exodus 14:14 reminds us:

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Revenge feels like control, but it never heals. Only God’s justice and healing can.

Trust God in the Testing

When people come against us unfairly, it becomes a test. Not just of patience, but of our character in Christ. Romans 12:19 says:

“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.”

Our response matters. Every test shapes us. Every betrayal is an opportunity to let Jesus form something deeper in us—perseverance, humility, forgiveness, and trust in His timing.

The Example of Jesus

Even in the face of betrayal, mockery, and the cross, Jesus didn’t retaliate. 1 Peter 2:23 says:

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.”

That’s the posture we’re called to. To entrust ourselves to the Father—the One who sees, the One who vindicates, the One who heals broken hearts.

Action Point:

Who’s your “Judas”? Maybe not someone who sold you out for silver, but someone who betrayed your trust. Instead of replaying the hurt, pause and pray for them. Write their name down and lift them before the Lord today. Ask God to bless them, heal them, and free you from carrying the weight of revenge.

Because in the end, your story isn’t defined by their betrayal—it’s shaped by your response.

in Him,

Heather Bradley

Author of Unthinkable

https://a.co/d/eOpatI3