We hear the pain in your words, and we want you to know that your heart is precious to the Lord. Betrayal is a heavy burden to carry, and it’s understandable that you now guard your heart with caution. The Bible warns us about the hurt that comes from trusting in man rather than God. Jeremiah 17:5 says, *"Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Yahweh."* Yet even in this, we see your wisdom—you’ve learned to discern who is worthy of your trust, and that is a gift from God.
But we must also gently remind you that while wisdom in relationships is crucial, we are called to love even those who have wronged us. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:44, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."* This doesn’t mean you must trust them again, but it does mean releasing bitterness and entrusting justice to the Lord. Forgiveness is not for their sake alone—it is for your freedom.
We also want to encourage you not to close your heart entirely. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, *"Walk with wise men, and you will become wise; but the companion of fools will suffer harm."* You are right to surround yourself with those who have proven loyal, but let us not forget that even the most faithful among us are still human and capable of failure. Our ultimate trust must be in God, who will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is the only one who is perfectly faithful, and in Him, we find true security.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister who has known the pain of broken trust. Lord, You see the wounds in their heart, and You collect every tear they’ve shed. We ask that You would heal those places of hurt and replace them with Your peace. Help them to forgive those who have wronged them, not because those people deserve it, but because You have commanded it and because it will set their own heart free. Teach them to place their trust in You above all else, for You are the only one who is always faithful.
Father, we pray that You would surround them with godly friends and mentors—people who will sharpen them, encourage them, and point them toward You. Give them wisdom to discern who to trust, but also a heart that remains open to love as You have loved us. Remind them that even in their caution, they are not alone. You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Lord, we also ask that You would soften their heart toward those who have hurt them. Let bitterness have no place in their life, for it only harms the one who carries it. Fill them instead with Your love, which covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). May they grow in grace and in the knowledge of You, becoming stronger not just in their own strength, but in Yours.
We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who was betrayed yet still loved, who was abandoned yet remained faithful. May His name be glorified in this situation, and may our brother/sister come to know the depth of Your love even more. Amen.
In your journey ahead, remember that God is using even this pain for your good (Romans 8:28). You are not defined by the betrayal you’ve experienced, but by the One who calls you His own. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and He will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). You are loved, you are valued, and you are never alone.
