handling betrayal

Scripture Focus:
“Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the
pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver…” – Genesis 37:28
Seventeen-year-old Joseph had never known separation from his father, yet he found himself
surrounded by hate-filled brothers. The first thing they did was tear off his special robe, his
father’s symbol of love. That tear was more than fabric; it was a declaration: “You’re nothing to
us.” Then they threw him into a pit, bruised, bleeding, abandoned. Maybe he thought they would
change their minds. Maybe he hoped they would help him out. But when he finally emerged
from the pit, it wasn’t salvation, it was betrayal. His brother Judah was closing a deal: twenty
shekels of silver in exchange for Joseph’s life.
Jesus, too, was betrayed by someone close, for thirty pieces of silver. Yet, He forgave. That is
the posture God calls us to. Acknowledge the pain because betrayal hurts. But then, forgive.
Pray for your healing and for those who hurt you. Bitterness keeps you chained to the pit but
forgiveness lifts you out. Like Joseph, like Jesus, your betrayal is not the end, it’s part of the
path to purpose.
Prayer:
Father, heal my heart from every wound of betrayal and give me grace to forgive.
Further Reading: Genesis 37:23–28, Matthew 26:14–16, Luke 23:34