Dealing with Rejection, Betrayal, and the Lies of False Guilt

 … He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. -John 8:44 (NLT)

Dealing With Rejection and Betrayal

Years and years ago, false guilt slithered itself deep into my heart making me believe I deserved rejection and betrayal. As I write these words here today, I still grieve for that young woman who didn’t know any better.

A young woman confused and wondering how to be better – smarter – prettier. Anything to make the anger stop. The narrative in my mind replicated the narrative I’d heard. It was all my fault – all my inadequacy.

If only I could be better, then he/she/they would love me more.

False Guilt is a lie from the enemy. One he uses as a tool to shred our worth and leave us without hope.

For many years my life story was one of shame. But God and His great big redeeming love saved me so that today I can point to Him and pass His hope to another.

I remember the day God reached in and pulled me out of the pit of that ugly false guilt.  A day a strength I was unaware I possessed, rose up within me.

It was strength enough for only one step —but it was the first step in the right direction.

The remainder of the steps took years. The enemy continued to manipulate and lie using even those closest to me to judge what they didn’t know and speak words of blame that only deepened my pain.  You see, the majority of the world saw only the friendly handsome man who smiled at most gatherings, so it was easy for them to whisper behind my back. How could they understand what I had worked hard at covering up?

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. -Romans 8:1-2 (MSG)

Eventually, it happened. I came to grasp the deep unfailing and redeeming love of Christ. I understood who I was to Him and therefore my worth as His child. And I finally recognized the difference between false guilt and conviction.

But knowing that isn’t enough.

I want you to know it, too! When you are dealing with rejection and betrayal, I want you to recognize the enemy’s lies and refuse to live in the condemnation of false guilt.

Let’s look at these 2 well-known Biblical accounts of betrayal.

Remember Joseph? Was the jealousy that grew in their hearts dependent upon Joseph’s actions? His brothers threw him into a pit and left him for dead because they couldn’t take the fact that he was their father’s favorite. One brother suggested they sell him into slavery. As Joseph watched all this unfolding, did he wonder had he been a kinder or better brother, maybe they wouldn’t have felt this way or done these things? Would they then have loved him as brothers should love each other?( Genesis 37)

And what about Jesus? As one of his inner circle betrayed Him with the kiss of death, he experienced deep betrayal. Judas chose money over relationship. What did he have in his heart? Jesus lived a blameless and sinless life. He had no fault, but yet betrayal was a huge element of his life. (John 18)

Friends, betrayal is in the hands of the betrayer.  It is not ours to own nor does it place guilt on our shoulders. There is nothing we can do better or more of to change the mind of a betrayer. It is not about us. Rather, it is all about the brokenness within them.

So, today, as you are dealing with rejection and betrayal, would you claim truth and victory over false guilt with these 6 affirming statements? 

May His Truth Transform You.

Dear Jesus, You call us by name, knowing even our innermost parts, our every thought, and the condition of our hearts. You know the truth of our every situation just as You know the truth behind the rejection and betrayal we face.

You are the author of truth and where You exist lies cannot remain. Lord, today I ask You to break through the lies we believe. Shine Your light of Truth shattering them in the Name of Jesus. Fill our hearts with Your Truth so that we can let go of the lies we’ve held because of our encounter with rejection and betrayal.

Your Word tells us that there is no condemnation in You — instead there is freedom. This is truth and we claim this right now. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Join Me for the Series!

When People Hurt You: Rising Above the Emotional Pain of Rejection and Betrayal is a series that looks into the Word of God as a guide to not just surviving, but rising victoriously over hurt. Each week I address a new aspect of rejection and betrayal that serves to keep us stuck in the pain rather than moving forward to where we want to be. (If you missed a post, then you can get caught up HERE!)

Also, I’ve created a Scripture Based Journal and Growth Guide that corresponds to each weekly devotional post giving you an opportunity to go deeper and make each lesson more meaningful. It guides you on your journey to dealing with rejection.

This journal along with a set of printable Scripture Cards to give you hope is now in the Library of Hope! If you have already subscribed to our community, jump on over and grab your copy! If you haven’t subscribed, what are you waiting for? 🙂 Just use the form below for your access to the Library of Hope and this journal!

This Week’s Featured #MomentsofHope Writers

10 Powerful Reasons to Pray for Your Marriage

by Valerie Murray of Cord of 6

Finding Wonder in the Waiting

by Laura Thomas 

7 Biblical Truths I Learned from My Mother

by Christin of Garments of Splendor

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 #MomentsofHope Thursday Link-Up

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