In Scripture, betrayal is not only a recurring theme but often something God warns his people about ahead of time. If you are walking closely with God and paying attention to the subtle leading of the Holy Spirit, he may begin to show you signs that someone in your life is not as loyal as they seem.
Let’s walk through the story of Mary, a young Christian woman who loved deeply and trusted openly. Through her story, we’ll explore three biblical signs that often indicate God is warning you: “Someone will betray you soon.”
1. If Their Words Are Kind, But Their Actions Tell a Different Story, Betray May Be Coming
Mary had been serving at her church for three years and had formed a close friendship with another volunteer named Jenna. They prayed together, served the youth group, and shared deeply personal stories. But recently, Mary began to notice subtle red flags. Jenna’s compliments were often double-edged, and she seemed to disappear whenever Mary was struggling.
Then one Sunday, Mary overheard Jenna repeating private things she had shared in confidence. Jenna’s words to her face were still friendly, but her actions were proving otherwise. Mary felt the sting of dishonesty, but even more, she sensed a spiritual heaviness—like God was nudging her heart to open her eyes.
Psalm 55:21, “His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.”
It was like drinking water from a clear glass, only to realize later it had been laced with poison—you don’t taste the danger but you’ll know it was unhealthy by the side effects. God often warns through inconsistencies. When someone’s words don’t match their actions, and you feel an internal unease you can’t shake, pay attention. It could be a sign that betrayal is near.
2. If You Begin to Sense a Spiritual Distance in the Relationship, Betrayal May Be Coming
After Mary confronted Jenna, their friendship slowly faded. She was hurt but found peace in forgiving her. A few months later, Mary grew close to another person—this time a man named Aaron from her Bible study group. He was charming, godly on the surface, and seemed to genuinely pursue her. They spent time reading Scripture together, volunteering, and talking about future goals.
But over time, Mary noticed something hard to explain. When she prayed with Aaron, she felt spiritually flat. When they talked about God, his words were vague and surface-level. And when she asked deeper spiritual questions, he deflected or changed the subject. It wasn’t that Aaron was doing anything overtly wrong; but Mary felt distant from God whenever she was around him.
2 Timothy 3:1, 5, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self… having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
It was like standing next to a fire that gives off no heat—it looks right, but something vital is missing. Sometimes betrayal doesn’t begin with a knife in your back. It can start with spiritual disconnection. When a person weakens your connection to God rather than strengthens it, the foundation for betrayal is already forming. It may not be emotional or physical betrayal at first, but spiritual compromise is often the first domino to fall.
3. If God Sends You Confirmation Through Scripture, Personal Conviction, and Circumstances, Betrayal May Be Coming
Mary continued dating Aaron, hoping things would change. But soon, his charm turned into control. He began criticizing the way she dressed, questioning her every decision, and slowly isolating her from her church community. He masked it all as “spiritual leadership,” saying things like, “I’m just trying to protect your walk with God,” or “You shouldn’t trust people who don’t support us.”
Mary grew increasingly anxious and confused. She couldn’t explain it, but her peace was gone. Then one night, she opened her Bible and landed on John 13:21, where Jesus announces his betrayal, “After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.'” The words pierced her spirit.
The next day, Aaron publicly embarrassed Mary at a young adults meeting, twisting a private conversation and making her look spiritually immature in front of others. What hurt most was that he used Scripture to justify his behavior. In that moment, Mary finally saw it clearly: Aaron was not protecting her—he was betraying her trust.
It’s like hearing thunder long before the rain starts. You may not see the storm yet, but the warning is undeniable. God is not silent when betrayal is looming. Mary had ignored the subtle warnings for weeks, but when God confirmed it through Scripture and painful experiences, she finally listened.
If God keeps pointing something out, don’t ignore it. He’s not trying to hurt you. He’s trying to prepare and protect you. Just as Jesus was not surprised when Judas betrayed him, we don’t have to be blindsided either.
Betrayal may be coming, but you don’t have to face it alone. God sees it all—and he will carry you through it.
