In my opinion, the very first thing you should do before casting judgment and punishment when anyone betrays you (and trust me, it WILL happen to even the best of us at least once in life), is proceed according to my “Peter v. Judas For The Dummies” system:

Simon Peter denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear. He was sorry, repented, forgiven, redeemed, and thereafter known as one of THE most faithful Christian leaders in the history of forever.

Peter was SORRY!

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus with a kiss in front of the Roman soldiers for 30 freakin’ pieces of silver out of greed. His “remorse” was rooted in self-pity and despair, then he killed his damn self.

Judas was NOT sorry

(for anyone but himself)!

They BOTH betrayed Jesus … BUT … one is an example of how forgiveness and grace can be shown when true remorse and a resulting change of behavior. Peter’s story teaches that even after serious mistakes, GENUINE repentance, and a TRUE desire for forgiveness, can lead to restoration in any relationship, no matter the level of betrayal.

Judas’s story shows that just because someone feels sorry for themselves, although we should forgive them (if for no other reason but clearing our OWN conscience), we must always use discernment when considering any further relationship with them.

So, who are the Peters or Judases in YOUR life? More importantly, who have you been to others? Peter … or Judas? I can admit that I’ve been both at different points in my journey, but thankfully I’ve grown past my Judas-y, “poor ‘lil victim” days gone by. Accountability is one of the best things I have for breakfast these days (even when it hurts to swallow).