Here are some ways people react when they are betrayed: they deny that it happened, feel a sense of loss, hurt deeply, become angry, refuse to forgive, and struggle to trust others. They hold on to their doubts; or live with sadness. Hopefully, they accept that they have been deceived and try to move on. Betrayal is often the result of trusting and listening to those who are untrustworthy. Knowing the risks of following faulty counsel or relying on untrustworthy people is why Jesus affirmed for us His own identity as God’s Son in the flesh. He alone offers unfailing counsel. He said this found in Matthew chapter 7: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Since Jesus Christ is such a reliable and faultless teacher, wise people study and obey teachings He left us.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
