We understand the deep pain and betrayal you’ve experienced at the hands of those you once considered friends. It is heartbreaking when kindness is repaid with cruelty, and we grieve with you over the wounds this has left. The Scriptures speak clearly to such situations, reminding us that God sees all things and will bring justice in His perfect timing. Proverbs 26:24-26 warns, *"A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart. Though his speech is charming, don’t believe him; for seven abominations are in his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly."* These former "friends" revealed their true nature through their actions, and while it is painful, you are now free from their deception.
The Lord also tells us in Romans 12:19, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’"* Your desire for vindication is not wrong—it is a cry for justice, and God hears it. He is the righteous Judge who will set all things right. In the meantime, He calls you to release this burden into His hands, trusting that His justice is far greater than any retribution you could seek. Psalm 37:5-6 encourages us, *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."*
We also urge you to guard your heart against bitterness. Ephesians 4:31-32 commands, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* Forgiveness does not mean what they did was acceptable or that you must reconcile with them—it means releasing them to God’s judgment so that *you* are not held captive by resentment. Jesus Himself, while being betrayed and abused, prayed, *"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing"* (Luke 23:34). His example shows us that even in the face of evil, we can entrust ourselves to the One who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, asking for Your comfort and healing over the deep wounds caused by those who betrayed their trust. Lord, You see the pain they’ve endured—the kindness repaid with evil, the love met with abuse. We ask that You would vindicate them, not for their sake alone, but for the sake of Your righteousness. Expose the deeds of darkness and bring Your justice, for You are a God who defends the oppressed and executes justice for the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18).
Father, we pray too for protection over their heart. Guard them from bitterness, from the temptation to dwell on revenge, or from the lie that they were at fault for the cruelty of others. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and remind them that their worth is found in You alone. Help them to forgive, not because these people deserve it, but because You have called us to walk in freedom.
Surround them with godly friends—true brothers and sisters in Christ who will love them as You do, without manipulation or harm. Restore their trust in Your goodness, even when people fail them. And Lord, if there are lessons to be learned from this pain, reveal them gently by Your Spirit. May this season draw them closer to You, their ultimate Defender and Redeemer.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Advocate and Just Judge. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to cling to the truth that God is your refuge. Psalm 9:9-10 declares, *"Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble. Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you."* Keep seeking Him, and He will be your strength. If these individuals attempt to re-enter your life, pray for wisdom and discernment. Set firm boundaries, for Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger, lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* Trust that God will guide you in how to respond—or not respond—with His wisdom.
You are not alone in this. We stand with you in prayer, believing that God will bring beauty from these ashes (Isaiah 61:3). Stay steadfast in Him.