Lying, cheating, and infidelity, these are all things we deeply dislike, and no one wants to experience them. It’s not just the act of betrayal that cuts us deep, but it’s the damage that lingers in our minds and hearts. Not only do these things tear a relationship apart, but they also sow seeds of doubt and suspicion, and this is the worse. Once someone’s lied or cheated on you, the whole foundation of your relationship can be shattered. How do you rebuild after something like that?
It gets even more messy when the people on the receiving end of betrayal end up questioning themselves, wondering why they didn’t see this coming. They might begin to doubt their ability to make good decisions, believing they overlooked red flags or trusted too easily.
It can take a long time to get over, because deceit brings so much heartache and unhappiness, but we need to be mindful of two things: no one ever gets away with it, and the cost we pay for lying and cheating will always be greater than the act itself. Jesus’ words in Luke 12:2-3 (NLT) affirms this truth: “1 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 2 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” It’s a reminder that no matter how much we try to hide our actions; we can be assured that nothing stays hidden forever.
Secret Sins Aren’t Secret to God
Nothing we do in the dark stays there for long. With social media, polished conversations, and so many people pretending to be someone they’re not, it’s pretty clear that we live in a culture that prioritizes image over honesty. People, especially singles, are bamboozled all the time. They are misled by individuals that have made a sport of deception and are always looking for the next unsuspecting target.
Whether someone is being dishonest and deceitful towards us or we’re perpetrating this on someone else, God isn’t fooled. Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” That secret bitterness we’ve been holding on to, God sees it. When we’re jealous of someone’s success or obsessing about our partner’s whereabouts, our Heavenly Father knows the deal. He knows all about the battles we’re fighting behind closed doors. Everything is out in the open with Him. We might fool the world for a minute or even trick our own selves, but we can’t hide from the One who knows our hearts.
Truth Rises to the Top
The truth has a funny way of coming to the surface, and when it does, it calls for reflection, repentance, and transformation. We can run and try to hide from it all we want. Although things might stay under wraps for a while, sooner or later, the hidden things find their way into the light. And they do so often at the most inopportune time. When this happens, no need to duck and dive. Instead, it’s time to come clean and recognize that something deeper needs attention.
King David’s deep dive into deceit is a notorious example of truth rising to the top. He was standing on the terrace of his palace one day and saw the beautiful Bathsheba taking a bath. She was already married, but he felt he had to have her, and as this record in 2 Samuel 11 tells us, she ultimately became pregnant. David tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba by arranging for her husband’s death. It looked like he had succeeded for a moment, but again, truth always rises to the top. God sent His prophet, Nathan, to confront David, exposing the whole thing. David’s story is proof of the reality revealed in Proverbs 28:13, (NLT): “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
When our own secrets come to light. David’s confession and repentance show us how to get back on the right path. Humiliating us is not God’s goal. He doesn’t want to do that. Instead, the exposure of our sins gives us a chance to seek His forgiveness and turn back to Him.
Be Transparent Before God
The best thing that we can do for ourselves is to live with integrity every moment of our lives. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) gives us hope: “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us beating ourselves up. It’s about bringing our darkness into God’s light so He can heal and restore us. We should embrace the liberty of Christ and live openly before him, so we can then be free from the weight of secrecy.
Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to lead us into God’s glorious light. John 3:20-21 (NLT) explains, “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” Living in the light means living in a way that reflects God’s truth and grace. It’s not about perfection. Although we are being perfected by Christ daily, none of us are perfect. So, it’s about choosing transparency with God and others, trusting that His grace is enough to cover our shortcomings.
If someone has betrayed us, the lesson is about God’s forgiveness. We must forgive them because this pleases our Heavenly Father, and it’s what He’s commanded us to do. If we have lied and cheated, the lesson is about repentance and being transparent with God, who already sees and knows. We make room for His healing and transformation when we choose honesty. The best gift we can give ourselves in this situation is not to wait for our secrets to come to light on their own, but step into God’s light willingly. Then, we’ll discover the freedom, mercy, and restoration that only He can provide. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“What’s Done in the Dark Will Come to Light”, written by Rev. Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.