Question: How do I deal with a friend who betrayed me by revealing my private financial troubles to my co-workers when she promised she’d keep it secret?

Answer: Most people will experience a betrayal at some point in their lives. Whether it be a betrayal by a stranger, by a family member or friend, or even by the closest person to you — your spouse — it can be a very difficult thing to deal with.

Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you may need to report your co-worker’s actions to your company’s Human Resources Department. Or, depending on the type of betrayal, you might need to take legal action to protect yourself from physical harm or retaliation.

However, Believers must remember that God already knows and cares about what happened to you!

Believers know from reading God’s Word that even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ experienced betrayal! Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples — Judas! (Read Matthew 24:10; Matthew 26:24,45-50; Mark 14:10; Luke 22:3-6; John 13:21). So, we should know that if Jesus Christ experienced betrayal, we should expect to experience betrayal.

So, how are Believers supposed to deal with those who betray us? We deal with them the way God instructs us to deal with them. Start by doing what Jesus did with those who crucified Him.

Even as His enemies were crucifying Jesus on the Cross, Jesus prayed, “…Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34 NKJV)

Of course, forgiveness is usually not going to be the first emotion our fleshly bodies feel when dealing with betrayal. Instead, we understandably feel shocked. angry, hurt, and confused. But, mature Believers know that if we let these negative emotions get the best of us, they will likely lead us to acts of revenge and depression.

So, what should Believers do? Just let your betrayer get away with what they did? No! What that person did to you was wrong. You know that, and God knows that. But, God wants you to let Him deal with your betrayer!

Remember what the Lord says to us. He says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

And, take comfort in knowing that God loves you and cares about you! Just as we are reminded in 1Peter 5:7, “…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

So, start praying to God about your situation and turn your betrayer over to our Lord! He will deal with your betrayer in His own time, and in His own way! Trust God and don’t let the devil steal your joy!