Part 6 of 11 part series: The Ripple Effect: How Betrayal Affects Others
By Susan Adeyemi, Counsellor, & Author
- More Than Two: The Wider Reach of Broken Trust
- 1. Children Who Absorb the Pain
- 2. Family Bonds Stretched Thin
- 3. Friendships Under Strain
- 4. Communities Shaken by Broken Trust
- 5. God’s Power to Redeem the Ripple
- Conclusion: Healing Together
- Related Articles
Last week, we continued on the topic of betrayal where we examined the impact of betrayal on our loved ones. Including; children, extended family, and friends This week, we are going to explain deeper on how betrayal impacts these relationships.
Many people don’t realise how much of an indelible mark betrayal leaves on the person that experienced this level of pain until they consciously take the time needed to acknowledge, reflect, learn from the experience and heal. So, if you have ever experienced betrayal in the past and feel like you struggle to trust people again, you’re not alone.
In other articles, I talk about narcissistic abuse and how to heal from it. I refer to narcissistic abuse because when an individual becomes free of that experience, one of the emotions they would come in contact with as they begin healing is a sense of deep betrayal. They may have questions like, ‘was the relationship ever real’, ‘did the accused know all along that he/she was not invested long term in the relationship?’, ‘was I deceived all those years?’. I also share a brief snippet of my own personal story, and some difficult emotions I had to wrestle with on the onset of my healing journey – HERE.
More Than Two: The Wider Reach of Broken Trust
When betrayal happens, it may feel like a private wound between two people, but its impact rarely stays there. Broken trust has a way of spilling outward, touching children, families, friendships, and even communities. Like ripples spreading across still water, betrayal’s reach is often wider and deeper than we first realize.
Understanding this broader impact can help us navigate the hurt with wisdom and compassion, while leaning on God’s grace to bring healing.
1. Children Who Absorb the Pain
When trust is broken in a marriage or close relationship, children often pick up on the tension. Even without knowing details, they sense distance, silence, or conflict.
- Some become anxious, fearing instability.
- Others feel forced to take sides.
- Many grow up wrestling with fear of betrayal in their own future relationships.
Proverbs reminds us of the importance of integrity:
“The righteous who walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him!” – Proverbs 20:7
When trust is upheld, children thrive. When it’s broken, they may carry unseen burdens.
2. Family Bonds Stretched Thin
Betrayal often puts extended family in difficult positions. Relatives may feel torn between loyalty and truth, and divisions can arise where once there was unity.
We see this in Joseph’s story. His brothers’ betrayal didn’t just wound Joseph, it created guilt, suspicion, and pain throughout the family for years. Healing only came when truth and forgiveness entered the picture.
3. Friendships Under Strain
We also need to remember that betrayal isn’t just a human problem, it’s a spiritual one. The enemy has always worked through deception to dFriends of both parties often feel caught in the crossfire. They may not know how to support without seeming disloyal. Some distance themselves, while others choose sides, leaving the betrayed person even more isolated.
Scripture speaks plainly:
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Betrayal strains friendships, but it can also reveal who is truly committed to walking alongside in truth and love.
4. Communities Shaken by Broken Trust
In church or workplace settings, betrayal can ripple outward into the community. When leaders, colleagues, or fellow believers betray trust, the impact touches everyone connected. Suspicion can grow, unity weakens, and faith in people, even in God, can feel shaken.
Paul urged the church:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
When betrayal strikes, communities need more than quick fixes, they need truth, accountability, and the grace of God to rebuild trust.
5. God’s Power to Redeem the Ripple
The reach of broken trust is real, but so is God’s ability to redeem. What the enemy intends for destruction, God can use for transformation. Families can learn grace, friendships can be rebuilt, and communities can become stronger when they lean into God’s healing presence.
Joseph’s words capture this hope:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20
Betrayal may extend beyond two, but so does God’s redemption.
Conclusion: Healing Together
Betrayal is never just about two people. Its reach extends to the innocent, the close, and the connected. But the same is true of healing. As we invite God into our pain, His restoration spreads outward, bringing peace and strength to those around us.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Reflect & Share
- Have you witnessed betrayal affect others beyond the immediate relationship?
- In what ways has God helped you (or someone you know) bring healing into the ripple effects of broken trust?
Next Steps
- Download a copy of “Managing Negative Emotions Guide”
- Join my community to engage in prayers and accountability.
- Or book a free 30 minutes consultation with me (below) to unpack negative thinking patterns.
Your reflection could be the encouragement someone else needs today. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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