Forgiveness After Betrayal: Finding Peace and Trusting God’s Justice
Have you ever been betrayed by those you tried to help? I have. I left everything behind to serve the poor, following a deep calling from God. But instead of gratitude, I faced false accusations, betrayal, and hurt so deep I thought it might break me.
Yet, through it all, I learned the incredible power of forgiveness. Not just for them—but for me.
In this blog, I’ll share my journey from betrayal to forgiveness, and how trusting God’s justice brought me peace. I hope my story encourages you to release bitterness and embrace the freedom God has for you.
Betrayed While Serving: When Doing Good Leads to Pain
When I chose to leave my career as a physician and open a clinic in an underserved community, I believed that doing good would bear good fruit. I cared for the poor, the addicted, the mentally ill—people society often overlooks.
But then came the betrayal. False accusations. Misunderstandings. Those I had sacrificed for turned against me.
I cried out to God like David in Psalm 55:12-14 (NIV):
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship…”
Betrayal by those close to you hits harder than any outside attack.
The Heavy Weight of Unforgiveness
At first, I wanted justice my way. I wanted to defend myself, to prove my innocence, to make my accusers see the pain they caused.
But holding onto bitterness was like carrying a heavy chain. Every day I replayed the offense, the injustice, the wounds. Yet God gently reminded me that unforgiveness doesn’t punish my accusers—it punishes me.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) spoke to my heart:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness wasn’t about excusing their actions. It was about releasing myself from the prison of resentment.
Forgiveness as an Act of Trust
Forgiving my accusers didn’t happen overnight. I wrestled. I wept. But I realized forgiveness is an act of trust in God’s justice.
Romans 12:19 (NIV) reminds us:
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
When I forgave, I placed the situation in God’s hands. I trusted that He sees what no one else sees and that His justice is perfect.
Forgiveness wasn’t letting them off the hook—it was putting them on God’s hook and freeing myself.
God’s Redemption: Turning Betrayal into Purpose
In time, God began to heal my heart. He took the betrayal meant to destroy me and used it to deepen my compassion for others who have been hurt.
Today, I still serve the poor, lead the 100 Families Initiative, and walk alongside families in crisis. But I do it from a place of freedom and peace, knowing God can redeem even the darkest moments.
Genesis 50:20 (NIV) says it best:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
If I had held onto unforgiveness, I would’ve missed out on seeing God’s redemption unfold.
The Gift of Forgiveness: Freedom for You
Friend, if you’ve been betrayed, falsely accused, or hurt deeply, know that forgiveness is not a feeling—it’s a choice. It’s a decision to trust God with the outcome.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. It doesn’t mean the pain never happened. It means choosing to let go and let God.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) encourages us:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
As I forgave, I found peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). I discovered that forgiveness is the gateway to healing and freedom.
I pray you will, too.
Final Thoughts: Trust God with Your Pain
Betrayal is real. The wounds cut deep. But God’s healing runs deeper. If you’re holding onto unforgiveness today, I encourage you to release it. Not for them—but for you.
Trust that God sees, God knows, and God will use it for His glory.