Christian Comment with Graham Collins, Holy Trinity, Stroud

Betrayal

THE people in the Grenfell Tower felt betrayed that the Local Council did not provide a safe environment in which they could live.

The problems over the cladding seem to have spread to many other Councils and their tower blocks across England.

To date 184 have failed a fire safety test for their blocks.

A 100 per cent failure rate.

The youngsters and their families who were affected by the Manchester Arena bombing will also feel betrayed that they too did not have a protected environment in which to enjoy fully the concert by Ariana Grande.

It is one of the worst things we can do, to betray others, even when it is valid, such as revealing the perpetrator of an evil deed.

It incorporates a loss of trust and respect, which is sad, however you look at it.

Jesus understood about betrayal and even predicted it when he knew it would be those closest to him, the Disciples, who would break rank with him as Judas betrayed him and even Peter denied him three times.

Yet the approach Jesus adopts is not one of hate or vengeance but one of compassion and love.

He says in John 14: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.’

I wonder if you have ever been betrayed, or even been a betrayer?

If so, how did you feel?

Hurt, let down, seeking justice, annoyed, wanting reparation?

In the case of Manchester, there were so many acts of compassion and love after this event, that it dwarfed the hate shown by the bomber.

Let us hope that the actions taken by the authorities will allay the anxieties and sense of betrayal felt by the residents of Grenfell Tower.

And for you, if affected by this article, I pray that God’s compassion and love will dominate your response.