DO NOT BEAR ANOTHER MAN’S GUILT

John 6:70 WEB
Jesus answered them, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”

Dear Believer,

It may happen that things just go wrong around you because someone close to you chooses to live wrong. Like Jesus, you may be betrayed by a Judas. I have seen again and again how many loving Believers crack under the weight of guilt for the betrayer or the bully or the cheater. “Why didn’t I see this coming,” becomes the refrain of the one betrayed.

Look, understand that people make their decisions because they choose to make them. You shouldn’t carry the weight of guilt because of another man’s errors.

For example, when men (or women) cheat on their spouse, some who have lived a life of dutifulness and commitment to their partner start to blame themselves. “If I had done this or that, he wouldn’t have cheated,” and so on.

Well, in most cases, the betrayer will betray, no matter what you do.

What didn’t Jesus do to help Judas?

Jesus made this guy the treasurer. Rather than be faithful, he stole the money. Jesus gave countless warnings about betrayal, Judas heard but still remained critical of Jesus’ ministry and methods. (Please read John 12:3-6). He eventually sold his master.

Should we blame Jesus? Or should Jesus blame Himself?

See, the world will never lack betrayers and those who delight in making other people suffer. So, my believing friend, when you are betrayed, do not put yourself under a bondage of grief and guilt. Seek divine direction on how to move on.

If Jesus, as holy and powerful as He was in the days of His flesh, could still have one Judas among the Twelve, don’t be too hard on yourself because you were betrayed by one of Judas’ modern brothers.

Judas was a devil among the saints. For some people, their Judas may be a trusted ‘friend’ who doesn’t really wish them well. When such a person starts to show their true color, do not start to blame yourself for their error.

Judas didn’t stop the mission of Jesus. In a way, he unwittingly expedited it. That is how things work for God’s people.

Joseph’s older brethren betrayed him. All seemed lost, but the Lord made it all work together for his good. He later told his brothers:

Genesis 50:20 WEB
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.

Joseph had a lot to blame himself for, had he wanted to. He could have lived in regrets all his days for sharing his dreams so openly. Yes, that was immature, but that wasn’t the real problem. The problem was the envious, murderous hearts of his big-for-nothing brothers.

Joseph didn’t brood. He shook off the seducing fingers of depression and got busy, putting his faith in God. See where his faith and discipline got him. His gifts shone through the darkness of murderous envy and false accusations and set him on the throne above all his haters.

That shall be your testimony in the name of Jesus.

Now, it feels great to put oneself on the pedestal of blamelessness and see other people as potential betrayers, but you, dear Believer, must examine yourself and with the help of the Holy Spirit, eliminate all tendencies of betrayal from your life.

I pray that anyone who means evil for you in your quest to do the will of God and live your life will be ultimately disappointed.

Have a bright day!

Your friend,
Deon.