Everyone has experienced the deep pain of betrayal. Even Jesus.

During the Last Supper, Jesus told Peter that in the hours to come, he would betray Him three times before the rooster crowed. Of course, Peter denied it, saying, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” (Luke 22:33).

Shortly after Peter’s brave profession, Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, and Peter followed behind Him at a distance.

Just as Jesus predicted, Peter denied Him three times. As soon as Jesus heard the rooster’s crow, He “turned and looked at Peter” (v. 61), making eye contact with the disciple who swore to follow Him even to death. Surely the Savior’s heart broke as He prepared to face the darkest and most difficult hours of His life on earth completely alone.

But Jesus didn’t hold a grudge; He didn’t go to the cross for everyone except Peter. Jesus forgave Peter along with those who mocked Him, those who nailed Him to the cross, and those who would be born into sin in the generations to follow — including you and me.

It’s from the overflow of the forgiveness you receive from Christ that you should forgive those who have betrayed you. This is not to say you should enter into another trusting relationship with your betrayer, but you should release the past into the hands of God and experience the freedom of forgiveness.

Today, ask God to help you take steps toward forgiving those who have hurt you.