Biblical Answer

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Human Freedom

The question of why God allowed a family member to betray you is a complex and deeply personal one. As a Christian, I believe that God's sovereignty and human freedom are intertwined, yet distinct concepts. God's sovereignty refers to His all-powerful and all-knowing nature, while human freedom refers to our ability to make choices. In the Bible, we see that God is not bound by human actions, but rather, He is the One who ordains and governs all things, including the choices we make.

The Example of Judas Iscariot

The story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, is a powerful example of how God's sovereignty and human freedom intersect. Jesus knew well beforehand that Judas would betray Him (John 6:70-71), yet He did not intervene to prevent it. Instead, Jesus told Judas to do it quickly (Matthew 26:25). This example illustrates that God's sovereignty is not limited by human actions, but rather, He is the One who ordains and governs all things, including the choices we make. This does not mean that human choices are not real or that they do not have consequences. Rather, it means that God's sovereignty is not diminished by human freedom.

Finding Comfort and Hope in God's Love

In the face of betrayal, it can be difficult to understand why God allowed it to happen. However, as Christians, we are called to trust in God's love and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His ways. The Bible teaches us that God is a loving and gracious God, who desires a personal relationship with us (John 3:16). His love is not limited by human actions, but rather, it is a constant and unwavering presence in our lives. As we navigate the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of betrayal, we can find comfort and hope in God's love and sovereignty. We can trust that He is working all things together for our good, even when we do not understand why things are happening the way they are (Romans 8:28). Ultimately, our trust is not in our ability to control outcomes, but in God's goodness and love, which is always available to us, no matter what we face.