Offense is one of the most common — and most overlooked — obstacles in the Christian life. A harsh word from a friend, a wound from a family member, a betrayal from someone in the church, and suddenly we find ourselves carrying something heavy that we never wanted in the first place.
John Bevere’s The Bait of Satan calls this trap by its name and shows how to walk free of it.
The premise
Jesus said offenses will come (Luke 17:1). They are inevitable in a fallen world. The question is not whether we will be hurt — we will — but whether we will let the hurt grow into bitterness, division, and a hardened heart.
Bevere argues that unresolved offense is one of Satan’s most effective tools to derail believers, divide churches, and break relationships that God meant to be lasting.
Three takeaways
- Offense is a choice. Hurt happens to us; offense is what we do with the hurt. Recognizing that distinction is the first step to freedom.
- Forgiveness is for you first. Forgiving someone does not excuse what they did. It releases you from the debt you have been collecting against them.
- Restored relationships are worth the work. Many of the relationships that bring the deepest fruit in our lives have come through a season of conflict and reconciliation.
Who this book is for
Anyone wrestling with bitterness toward a spouse, a family member, a former friend, or someone in the church. Leaders who deal with relational conflict regularly. Christians who want to take Jesus’ words on forgiveness seriously.
Get the book: The Bait of Satan (Amazon) or check your local Christian bookstore.
This is a recommended resource. If you are walking through a difficult relational wound, please also reach out to our pastoral team — you do not have to carry it alone.
