In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 Paul lists a series of trials which he considers "great labors." Among the following abbreviated list of beatings, ship wrecks, and danger from robbers, Paul includes "danger from false brothers." (ESV)
Now, Zechariah 13:6 prophesies of our Lord Jesus answering the following question: "What are these wounds on your back?" with the unexpected answer: "The wounds I received in the house of my friends."
Christians are counseled to be prepared for battle. Ephesians 6 gives a well-known list of the protective garb each warrior is supposed to arm himself with as well as instruction on what weapon he is supposed to carry. Ephesians 6:12 clarifies that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood alone, but against the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over the present darkness we find ourselves living in.
The diligent Christian is not only prepared and expectant to battle in war, but he also anticipates persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 promises, "... all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
But what happens when a Christian is blindsided by an assaulting false brother? What happens when the persecution arises out of his own church? Surely wounds received in the house of our friends are the most difficult to forgive and overcome.
David was acquainted with being wounded in the house of his friends. He said, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God..." (Psalm 55:12-14 NIV)
Job lamented more than once, "My relatives stay far away, and my friends have turned against me... my close friends detest me..." (Job 19:13&19 NIV)
Even Jesus himself was betrayed by Judas and Peter, so why are Christians unsuspecting when their experiences follow the unhappy patterns exemplified in the Bible? And an even bigger question: what is a Christian supposed to do after they do receive an injury in the house of their friends?
1 Peter 2:23 exemplifies Jesus when it says, "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (NIV)
Paul tells us in Romans 12:17-19, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath..."
