Relationships and Compassion: Navigating Boundaries and Forgiveness Like Jesus Did

Have you ever dealt with someone who acted like they cared for you, yet secretly betrayed you by spreading false information? Many people encounter such "Judases" in their lives, and it often takes time to identify them, along with waiting patiently for the appropriate moment to address the situation.

Even Jesus had a Judas within his inner circle, and we can learn from his example how to deal with those who secretly plot against us while benefiting from it. For today's devotional, I encourage you to read the story of Jesus' betrayal in Matthew 26 and 27:1-10. 

If you've recently experienced betrayal, revisiting the same story from Matthew over an extended period could be beneficial, as reflecting on it can reveal many valuable insights. 

There is a lot to understand and learn about Judas’ syndrome, and it can't all be covered in a single day. Nonetheless, today's devotional may help you address the underlying pain caused by someone who betrays and gossips about you while pretending to care. 

As you read about Jesus’ betrayal, did you think of your own Judas, a friend who let you down? Do you still feel the emotional pain from betrayed trust? Do you question why it hurts so much, even though the event seems minor compared to your reaction to the betrayal? 

If this is true, while rehearsing the same story connected to the betrayal, you might be avoiding an underlying fear, which keeps you feeling trapped and repeating the same patterns. Pain could signal an unprocessed fear that you need to confront and accept. 

As you reflect on Jesus’ story and his experience with betrayal, invite the Holy Spirit to uncover the root cause of your pain, something you have been avoiding. By recognizing specific fears and surrendering them to Jesus, your inner pain can be healed, and your struggle will cease.

Begin healing process by trusting Jesus with a deeply rooted fear: acknowledge it, share your struggle with Him, and ask Him specific questions as you take small steps toward relying on Jesus and trusting Him with the unknown. Continue to bring your questions to Him until you fully release your fear and embrace love. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18

You may need to address further steps in the follow-up, such as determining the boundaries of the new relationship with Judas and possibly forgiving both yourself and Judas.

May you be blessed as you begin a journey that even Jesus undertook, a journey of accepting (not approving) people as they are - even Judas. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8