Beauty Beyond Betrayal – Part 2

It’s hard to imagine, Lord.  Can there really be Beauty beyond the brutality of betrayal?

The friend I wrote about yesterday is still reeling from the pain of her “friend turned enemy.”  What the name for that?  Frenemy?

This particular “frenemy” doesn’t know You, Lord… at least, not yet.  She’s lost.  So it’s no surprise that she’s acting like a lost person would act.  My Forever Sister understands that… but it still hurts.  Yet she is beginning to grasp, in a way she never has before, what Choice You want her to make.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, My dear friends… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  (Romans 12:17-18,21)

As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the Teacher appears.”  It’s one of those “Thank You” moments.

Thank You… I think.   🙂

My friend was heartbroken that the hoped-for reconciliation didn’t occur.  She had invested so much time and energy.  Longing — and preparing — for that encounter.

All for nothing.

Or was it?

You were the One who moved her to leave that church service, Lord.  You were giving her Your heart and Your words on that 45-minute walk home.  Even though You knew the planned-for meeting would not occur.

So what “treasure” is to be “mined” out of that 45-minute encounter with You, Lord?  Or out of this whole betrayal experience? Treasure that has eternal value far beyond this specific friendship gone awry?

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  (Galatians 5:22) 

What could be more beautiful, Lord, than overcoming evil with good?

What could be more beautiful than the character it takes to respond to the world’s worst in a way that showcases Your Best?

“And we boast in the Hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces Perseverance; Perseverance, Character; and Character, Hope.”  (Romans 5:4)

What could be more beautiful than the example of Your own perseverance, Lord, in the face of our betrayals?  Leading to an eternal Hope that would otherwise escape us?

Like the Beauty of Your restoration of Peter after his three denials?  Or the Beauty of Your gift of Paradise to a thief who deserved the cross next to Yours?  Or the Beauty of Your Grace to me despite my betrayal of all You hold dear… because You held me dearer still?

Your Empty Tomb made all-the-more beautiful by the brutality of Your Cross.

“For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame… Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)

Such priceless treasures, Lord!  My Forever Sister is becoming very rich indeed.

Gratefully,

Abba’s Girl

 

 

 

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