Betrayal and Boundaries

Matthew 26:20 “When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 As they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” 23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.

I dreamed that I saw someone beating a dog with a stick and making it bleed. I was so upset and surprised that she would even harm an animal; I was screaming for her to stop. Another dog licked the blood off, seeming to heal her wounds. I also saw a little child running up and down the stairs of a client’s house. She misbehaved and would not listen to me when I tried to keep her still. She was not respecting the boundaries of the other person’s property.

Within a couple of days, I managed to cut myself on both thumbs. First, while slicing apples, the cut stung like a paper cut. The next morning, I reached into the sink to grab a knife. I couldn’t stop the bleeding, and the smallest task was painful to finish. It seems that the smallest wounds hurt the most. Although small, the cuts on both hands were aching, making it difficult to achieve much.  

LORD, give me understanding, not all dreams are from You. I ask for wisdom, protection, and direction. I pray this in JESUS’ NAME, amen. 

I pondered this dream and researched its meaning. It referenced the loyalty of a dog and touched on the concept of betrayal. The subtle things people do that wound you are like small paper cuts done quickly and without warning.

Betrayal is as painful as a paper cut; although small, it hurts. You trusted someone with the core of your being. You let them know the true you. It is one of the hardest things to overcome. They weaponize your weaknesses. Some exploit you for selfish gain. Others will betray you or put you on show by slandering you. They share what was not theirs to share. Trust should be treated like a precious stone given sparingly. Yes, the Bible says to forgive and cross that raging river. But those who are manipulators are like eels lurking in the dark. They hide when things are bad. When God lifts you up, they claim their prayers were answered. They want to share in your glory. They are like two sisters who say, ‘Give me, Give me.” Like slugs that suck the life out of you. If in doubt, pray and pay attention to your body; the body keeps score. Treat them like strangers. 

Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore, put away lying, let each of you speak truth with his neighbor. For we are members of one another. 2 Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.

28 Let him who stole steal no longer. Instead, let him labor, working with his hands, which is good. He may have some to give to those who need it. 2 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Boundary Buster

I am the first to confess that I, too, was ignorant about boundaries. Not excusing myself, but Day’s Journey is about learning new things, gaining understanding, and renewing our minds. Subtle incidents can be disrespectful, and I seek forgiveness from those I have dishonored. But some deliberately cross your boundaries even after you tell them you are done. Remember, some can be relatives or close friends. You do everything possible to stay away and protect yourself. They choose to disrespect your boundaries and sneak in the back door without your permission. They pretend to be as innocent as a child and as loyal as a dog. Yet, they are not; they disrespect boundaries, spiritual boundaries, and physical boundaries! They cut you spiritually by showing up because they know what they did, and pretend to be innocent. Be angry, yes, but let the LORD deal with them; vengeance is Mine, says the LORD.

Jesus’ heart was distraught when He saw that one of His disciples would betray Him. He knew, and He still washed the betrayer’s feet. After He washed Judah’s feet, Jesus said, “He is not clean.” Judah’s heart was never for God. Regardless of how long Judah walked with Jesus, he was not for the kingdom of God. Beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing. There are plenty of Judases. They are not for the kingdom of God. Instead, they are motivated by what they would gain in Jesus’ ministry. Ask the LORD, “Are they for us, or against us?” Forgiveness does not mean trusting everyone, and most importantly, I’ve learned to check my heart before the LORD.

Heavenly Father, Keeper of my soul, guide me in every way, and give me the strength to do Your will. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in me and on earth as it is in heaven. Cleanse my heart of resentment and bitterness, bless the fruit of my lips. Forgive me, LORD, for crossing the boundaries set before me knowingly and unknowingly. Let Wisdom, Prudence, and Discernment be my companions. Let Gratitude be my guide, thoughts, words, and deeds. And let Your Perfect Love cast out all my fears in JESUS’ Mighty Powerful Name, who is AMEN.