The Bible tells us the importance of having good friendships. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Friends are important for encouragement, for wisdom and for companionship. We are encouraged in Proverbs to choose our friendships wisely.
Yet, sadly, not everyone who befriends us is seeking genuine friendship. That can be a hard thought to swallow. Yes, sometimes those who we thought were friends will betray us for various reasons. Even our Lord Jesus experienced that with Judas. While he was chosen to be apart from the 12 disciples, scripture tells us that when it was to what he thought was his own benefit, Judas agreed to betray the Lord to the religious leaders (Luke 22).
There may be times in our lives that we must deal with our own “Judas” who betrays us for their own benefit whatever that may be. David also experienced this in his life as he records in Psalm 41:9 “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” You can read in David’s words the hurt that comes from such betrayal of trust.
So how do we respond when we have Judas in our lives?
First, we take it to our Lord Jesus, He knows and understands. Proverbs 18:24 remind us of the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Certainly, we find that in our savior.
Second, we must forgive the betrayal. The God who knows and sees all, will hold them to account for their actions.
Third, we must let go of that relationship and focus on our relationships with our true friends. Instead of bemoaning what they did to you, be grateful for those who are still you. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that a “true friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” You quickly learn who your real friends are when times get tough. Thank God for those relationships.
~ Insights for the Journey is a weekly devotional from Pastor Christopher Clark to engage, encourage and equip believers in their Christian journey. This devotional and others can also be found on our website: www.cordovabc.org/insights_for_the_journey. ~
