Yes exactly. Also when we get to know a glimpse of the forgiveness God offers us, it becomes easy to forgive others.

Well said Sr Soumya. Yes it is difficult.
Also unconditional love is a ‘choice’ not a mere feeling. So in such cases where a friend betrayed us the trust is broken, it is difficult to repair. But if we willfully ‘choose’ to ‘continue doing good’ then immediately we will feel as if we doing the same thing as Jesus and we know that we are not alone. Jesus also practiced the same which gives us courage and boldness.
Also it takes a bit of self denial as Sr Joanna rightly mentioned below. We have to deny our self image and sometimes we will have to do an extra step to make sure that the above are practised. And as you said, it’s all possible only by His Grace and strength.
And eventually the relationship may be restored with greater friendship. Our ultimate goal should be to maintain healthy relationships, since God values relationships.
Thanks for your comments. Let’s seek His help more.

Thanks Tara for the insight on this matter. Often, one may come across such a situation in the hardships of Christian life. And trust me, it is not easy to implement the above points that Donny has so beautifully and concisely mentioned here in his post! But we must.
Why? The very first elements that are disrupted in such an act of betrayal (or the like) are the love and trust towards that person, which is hard to be repaired. You are bitter, wounded, traumatised and you cannot look peaceably towards the person from then on. But Jesus tells us to ‘Love’ our enemies (as you mentioned Matt5:44) – the very same love that has been broken by the treachery to be forcefully applied towards the person who has hurt us (this has to be by His grace). Subsequently, we are able to bless, do good and pray for such a person as mentioned in Lk 6:27,28 .
You know, in Psalms 147:3, God is said to heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds. I believe praying for the enemy takes us to a greater level in the quality of Christian life. Its a two-in-one application: it heals us and it also heals the person whom we are praying for and brings that one to realisation (believe it or not!). Of course, it has its time, sometimes this happens soon or later. But I believe our prayers for the one who hurts us never goes in vain before our Heavenly Father. This is what I have understood so far. Any difference in understanding this matter is greatly appreciated! 🙂
Great post Donny!

Thanks for those three tips
1. “Then I decided to take Him at His word and put it into practise.”
2. “I began by praying for the person even when my feelings were so muddled.”
3. “Then I did some good for the person.”
It is great!

Yes bro. Joseph’s life was also similar. Yesterday I was reading another article on the life of Joseph and yours was a confirmation to me. Thanks a lot.
And as you mentioned from John 13:3, that the ‘knowledge of God’s word’ helps us to stand strong in such situations. Yes it’s a revelation. May god help us.
God bless you.

Yes sister, we really need the help of the Holy Spirit to put these into practice. I remember this verse from John 14:16
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter [the Holy Spirit] to help you and be with you forever”
Amazing!!

Thanks Zeno. Yes we need to pray and seek God’s help to be more like him.
God bless you.