And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
Experiencing betrayal in a spiritual setting can leave deep wounds. Often, our natural instinct is isolation when burned by the ‘holy’. Indeed, the sanctuary once feeling like home can suddenly become a minefield. Consequently, we may conclude that if the gathering of brethren caused our pain, then staying away is the only safe option. This makes returning to community after betrayal incredibly challenging.
Our own understanding often leads us to believe we can follow God in solitude. We mistakenly think this protects our hearts from judgment, hypocrisy, or people’s coldness. However, God’s straight path involves a difficult, sacred tension. Indeed, He calls us back to community, even when community has failed us deeply. God designed the church not as a museum for perfect saints, but as a hospital for the broken.
When we completely forsake the gathering, we do more than avoid those who hurt us. We also cut ourselves off from ‘one another’ who are destined to help us heal. Therefore, surrendering the steering wheel means trusting God to lead us. He will guide us toward a healthy expression of the Body of Christ. Moreover, it is an act of radical surrender to believe beauty exists in the ashes of our betrayal. God’s choice for us is not bitter isolation. Instead, it is a spacious place where we find brothers and sisters reflecting His heart.
Returning to fellowship does not endorse the hurt we suffered. Rather, it declares that human failures will not have the final say over our spiritual inheritance. Consequently, we must consider how we might separate the people from God’s promise. Ask Him to help you distinguish His command to gather from individuals who failed to represent Him. Returning to community after betrayal requires courage, yet God provides the strength.
Steps Towards Healing
Consider your season of isolation. While a ‘cave’ provides safety from people, it can also keep you from encouragement’s light. Therefore, identify one small, safe step you can take toward community this week. Perhaps this involves a short conversation with a trusted believer. You might also visit a different, smaller assembly. The bible urges us in Hebrews to ‘consider how we may spur one another on’. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you look for a community where the fruit of the Spirit is evident. If large crowds frighten you, ask God to lead you to just two or three people who prioritise love over legalism.
It takes immense courage to be vulnerable again after trust has been betrayed in a sacred space. However, you do not need to navigate this return alone. The Holy Spirit is your guide. Indeed, He knows which community will provide healing for your specific wounds. Do not let the enemy use past shadows to rob you of the Body’s warmth. Furthermore, brothers and sisters are waiting to carry your burdens, just as you were created to help carry theirs. Ultimately, as you submit your fear to Him, He will make your path straight. He will lead you into a family resembling a home God intended, rather than a courtroom.
Living It Out
Embrace God’s invitation to heal and reconnect. Trust Him to guide you towards a loving community, even after past hurts. Therefore, take that brave, small step today towards finding your place within His family.