Dear Lord,
Wow! I did not see that coming. And I have to ask, is my so-called friend’s “blade” still in my back?
This is so painful and unfair, Lord. In fact, I think this would be a good time for me to take revenge. But that’s not how You want me to react.
I do like the fact that You want to take care of this betrayal Yourself, because as You say, You alone have the right to revenge. You even promise to “pay betrayal back,” which may be a bit frightening, especially to those who deceived me.
But, Jesus, may I never forget that You forgave Your betrayers, even while You suffered on the cross. Is that why You want me to forgive, to bless and not to curse?
Lord, I’ll follow Your example. Please forgive them, bless them, and do not curse them. But this I ask: please do not let these people or their actions put me to shame.
You’ve made a few promises to me when it comes to betrayal. You promise to bless me when people mock me and persecute me and tell evil lies about me because I follow You. You tell me to rejoice because You will give me a great reward.
Even now, You reward me by preparing a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing me with Your Holy Spirit. And thank You that despite everything, my cup overflows with blessings.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19 GW
Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don’t curse them.
Romans 12:14 GW
I trust you, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame.
Do not let my enemies triumph over me.
Psalm 25:2 GW
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
Matthew 5:11–12 NLT
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Psalm 23:5 NLT