Betrayal... Backbiters & Gossipers
I continued studying the Book of Luke today. I was in Chapter 6 where the Jesus was making statements about loving others, especially one's enemies. Pondering over the verses brought a few past friends and acquaintances across my mind. Jesus said it right that loving people who are wonderful to you is easy to do, and I've discovered for me to do it properly takes help. Therefore, I realize it truly takes help to love enemies. Yet, I'm ashamed to admit in the past it would have been easier for me to love and forgive an enemy than a person who I once fellowship with and considered closer than a sister or brother. Yes, that was very difficult to obey. After all, I was always there for them in their time of need. I would overlook their cutting remarks and their unavailability when I really needed them. But to discover all the awful things they said, thought about me behind my back!!!!! Yep, that is a hard pill to swallow. So what does one do?Well, just know I feel for all who've been betrayed. I've been there more times than I want to count. After all, I'm quite seasoned in life (meaning in my fifties). Now, I'm not going to assume everyone who comes across this blog is a Christian, therefore I need to alert you I am giving you insight from a biblical viewpoint.
I've learned how to overcome many disappointments in life by studying the life of Jesus Christ. After all, He was truly compassionate and full of love. He did not get what He deserved. However, I on the other hand... well, just say I should have gotten worse than I deserve. To get back to Jesus.
Jesus walked among various groups of people during His day, but He selected His close companions carefully. He did not fellowship on a personal basis with everyone. He shared some special stories about His future with His closest friends. These friends where very protective of Him, for they observed how unpopular He was with the leaders of their day. One can assume they are truly great friends because they never shun Him, nor avoided associating with Him in the presence of these so called popular leaders.
Would you consider yourself to be such a friend? Well, I by nature am usually for those who are disadvantaged, I can't stand to see people mistreating others who think themselves superior. Though rejected by His peers, Jesus certainly was not disadvantaged, I still would hope to have been such friend to Him.
Jesus, unlike you and I, had the ability to know what people were thinking. You see He truly was the Only Begotten Son of God. He was given power from above to do miraculous works that no individual could do on earth, but God. *For it is written that no one knows the spirit of man but God. Being so, Jesus knew the heart (the spirit) of every person He chose to be His friend. In fact, Jesus chose a man named Judas not only to be in His close circle of friends, but to handle the monies of the group. Jesus, knowing every one's heart condition knew that Judas had an issue with thievery. In fact, Jesus knew before Judas was in this circle of friends, because he knew Judas' heart and thoughts, even that Judas would betray him for some coins.
If you looked back at some of those so called friends, knowing about them as you do now, would you have selected them to be in your inner circle of friendships? Well, I can honestly say no. But, now understanding how God uses every circumstance in our life to cry out to Him, even bad choices in friendships to eventually correct a heart issue in us.
Well, Jesus understanding the ending in full view of what this scoundrel of a friend would do to Him, chose to walk in love with Him. Yes, Jesus showed Judas the same care He displayed towards all His friends. He never talked behind their backs. He openly confronted them in their face, whether someone was there or not. They always knew where He was with them... and that was in a state of unconditional love, tender mercies, loving kindness and open rebuke.
Now when He was betrayed in the end by Judas, as well as, being denied by another so called close friend, Peter (who promised to never deny knowing Him) He did not show any malice towards them. Even when He was pierced on the Cross for the sins of Judas, Peter, Me, You and All Mankind, He spoke no hateful words. Instead, He cried out to His Father Which Art In Heaven, petitioning : "FATHER FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."
WOW!!!!
You better believe me, even now... no, it doesn't take as long, but I too have learned and I'm still learning to say "Father forgive (who ever the person... sometimes myself (ha,ha,ha) for they know not what they do, if you can forgive me for what I do or not do, how can I not forgive them.
Just realize there are people out there who do not know how to be true friends. It is only by the Grace of God if you've learn to be such a friend. As for myself, it is only by God's Grace and studying the Life of Jesus that I've becoming that kind of friend I would like to have... you know like Jesus (smile).
So whether you're a Christian or Not, read the book of John and see What Would Jesus Do. Just realize you can not practice What Would Jesus Do, without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to help you.
If you're wondering how to obtain the empowerment of the Holy Spirit then read below what was written in the Book of Romans (Chapter 10:8-13).
Romans(chapter 10:8-13):
8. However, what else does it say? "This message is near you. It's in your mouth and in your heart." This is the message of faith that we spread.
9. If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved.
10.By believing you receive God's approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved.
11.Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be ashamed."
12.There is no difference between Jews and Greeks. They all have the same Lord, who gives his riches to everyone who calls on him.
13.So then, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Now when you've received Jesus The Christ As Your Lord & Savior, seek out a bible believing teaching Church in your area. If you look to the right, you discover a wealth of Bible Programs, so call their numbers and inquire who they would suggest in your area.
Then one day you'll be equipped to follow through on doing what is stated in Romans 10:14-15,as a follower of Christ Jesus. May the Lord Anoint you with the desire to seek the broken hearted and oppressed poor hurting soul. Maybe, the friend that betrayed you, for you're now equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit working in your & through your heart to move in divine forgiveness as you've been forgiven.
Romans 10:14-15
14.But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells [the Good News]?
15.How can people tell the Good News if no one sends them? As Scripture says, "How beautiful are the feet of the messengers who announce the Good News."
Well that's all folks, remember it impossible to forgive and walk in divine love without the help of Jesus, with God all things is possible!
~Dolli
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