Betrayal: The Wound from Within

Betrayal: The Wound from Within

Betrayal is one of the deepest wounds a human heart can endure. It cuts deeper because it often comes from those closest to us, family, friends, or trusted companions. Scripture bears witness to this truth.

Joseph’s brothers, out of envy, sold him into slavery for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28). Yet, even after such wickedness, those same brothers could never truly trust the Ishmaelites to whom they sold him, for a man who betrays his own flesh cannot be trusted by strangers.

Jesus Himself was betrayed not by an enemy but by Judas, one of His chosen disciples, with a kiss (Luke 22:47-48).

However, history and experience show that betrayal is not always what it seems.

Many times, third parties manipulate situations to create the illusion of disloyalty, sowing discord where unity should reign. This strategy has been used throughout history, by colonial powers who deepened tribal divisions to weaken resistance, and by political actors who pit allies against each other for their own gain.

The Roman Empire, for instance, thrived on the principle of “divide and rule,” using suspicion and betrayal, whether real or fabricated, to maintain control over subject peoples.

A modern example is the case of a man arrested on trumped-up charges, denied bail one day, then hurriedly released the next. When asked why, the police excused themselves by saying, “Na him brother do am.”

Such words are carefully crafted to instigate mistrust among relatives and discourage solidarity. The truth was that the officers acted collectively, seeking personal gain, but disguised their intentions under the cloak of betrayal.

The Bible warns in Proverbs 6:19 that God hates “a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

Genuine betrayal is grievous, but false accusations of betrayal can be equally destructive. The lesson is clear: while betrayal by a close one is painful, we must discern truth from manipulation.

Strangers may exploit disunity, but wisdom calls us to uphold trust, test every spirit (1 John 4:1), and refuse to let deceit divide us.

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