‘A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.’ Proverbs 11:13 NIV
Betrayal is worse than gossip. A person who gossips may not set out to deliberately hurt another person; but a betrayer knowingly tells information in a breach of confidence and trust. They commit ‘relational treason’ by violating the trust someone has placed in them. Judas was in a position to betray Jesus with very little effort because he was familiar with His comings and goings.
The Bible says, ‘Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.’ (John 18:2 NIV) Judas used his inside knowledge of Jesus’ tendencies to hurt Him. Then later his behaviour caused such self-loathing that he committed suicide. Acts of betrayal eat away at your self-esteem and sense of dignity.
So, have you ever breached a confidence? If so, why did you do it? What was the reward? Did you gain some inside advantage? What were you envious or resentful of at the time? Was there an unresolved conflict between you and the other person? Have you repented of what you did? Conversely, has someone betrayed your confidence? If so, were you reaping what you had sown? What valuable lesson did you learn from it? Have you freed the offender in your heart, and no longer desire payback? If not, you’re still bound to them and they’re controlling your life. Drop it!
Remind yourself that, ‘All things work together for good to those who love God.’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV) Try to become a trustworthy person others can depend on to guard their secrets. And if you’re blessed to have a trustworthy friend yourself, thank God for them!
SoulFood: Acts 14–15, Luke 8:1–15, Ps 133, Pr 16:2
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©