Dear Friend,
Maybe someone has let you down—perhaps a promise was broken, a trust betrayed, or a relationship shattered. You gave your trust, your hope, or even your love, only to see it disregarded. The pain of disappointment is real, and I want you to know that you are not alone in feeling it.
Scripture speaks to this pain. The Bible acknowledges that even the closest of friends can betray us, that words spoken in love can later be discarded, and that not everyone keeps their word. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was betrayed by someone He called “friend.” David, a man after God’s own heart, wept over the treachery of those he trusted. You are not the first to endure such wounds, and you will not be the last.
But hear this: Though people may fail, God never does. Numbers 23:19 reminds us that God is not like man—He does not lie or change His mind. His promises stand firm, and His love does not waver. When others let you down, God remains constant. He is the refuge for the brokenhearted, the healer of wounds, and the restorer of hope.
Now, maybe you’re wondering—should I give this person another chance? Should I open the door to someone who has already hurt me? Scripture speaks to this, too.
Forgiveness is always commanded, but trust is something that must be rebuilt. In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus says, “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” But notice the key word—repent. True reconciliation requires change, not just words.
Proverbs 25:19 warns us, “Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.” If someone has broken your trust, it is wise to move forward with discernment. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 10:16, “Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.” This means forgiving from the heart but also being wise in restoring trust.
In John 2:24-25, we see that Jesus did not entrust Himself to people, for He knew what was in their hearts. This is an important lesson—Jesus loved and forgave, but He was not naive. He knew that trust must be earned, not simply given without accountability.
So, dear friend, if you are considering giving someone a second chance, ask yourself:
• Have they truly repented and shown change? (Luke 17:3-4)
• Are they bearing the fruit of repentance? (Matthew 3:8)
• Are they trustworthy, or are you simply afraid of letting go? (Proverbs 4:23)
Recycling a relationship without real change can lead to repeated pain, but with true transformation, reconciliation can be beautiful. However, whether or not you reconcile, your worth does not depend on another person’s actions. You are loved, seen, and cherished by the God who never breaks His promises.
So take courage, my friend. If you choose to forgive and move on, God is with you. If you choose to forgive and rebuild, God is with you. Either way, He is your strength and your healer, and He will guide you.
With hope and encouragement,
John Schmidt