My Mom wanted me to read this book – you know, one of those books that mothers hint will help your spiritual growth.

The Bait of Satan is about learning to overcome bitterness. It is about learning to deal with offenses, and forgive the person who has offended you. An offended person is one who has “taken offense” when someone mistreated him in some way. This may also include offended people who believe they were mistreated when they were not.

These are the points that Bevere made which stood out to me:

Dealing with Difficult Situations

  • If we are in a situation where someone is offending us, we are not necessarily called to leave that situation. We are not necessarily called to fix the situation either.
  • If we become offended and leave a difficult situation, we often fail to learn the character lessons that God wanted to teach us.
  • If we become offended and leave a situation angry, we can become spiritual vagabonds. For the rest of our lives we grow more and more offended and isolated, and develop a persecution complex. We blame everyone else for our unhappiness.
  • Immature Christians often try to protect themselves in difficult situations. They do not see that God has brought them into this situation to help them acknowledge their own character flaws.
  • The way we view the difficulties we have left behind will determine how we will react to our next difficulties. When we leave one situation bitter, we will carry that into other relationships. No one is able to develop a healthy relationship with someone who is running from bitterness.
  • We should not leave a bad situation until we feel the Holy Spirit leading us out with peace. We should not react to the difficulties in the situation. Instead we should be moved by the Holy Spirit.
  • If we leave a difficult situation without the Holy Spirit’s leading, it may take many years before we see the offense we have hidden in our heart. God will eventually make us face our problem, even though we may avoid it for many years. If God does not, we may never come to grips with our own character flaws.
  • If we do leave a situation with the peace of the Holy Spirit, we won’t feel compelled to defend or explain our difficulties to others.
  • We should not enter a situation or relationship, like a church, unless we really know God wants us to join. We will not be able to leave the situation until God releases us.

Reconciliation

  • If we won’t forgive someone deep in our heart, then we are waiting for vengeance – even if we only want to see them do a small thing. We have made ourselves the judge and are demanding justice before we forgive. What if Christ did this?
  • God wants us to make it our top priority to help a brother who has stumbled, and not try to prove ourselves correct in our judgment of him. Even if the offense was his fault, we should humble ourselves and try to be reconciled.
  • When a brother offends us, sometimes we confront him with a wrong attitude. We want to tell him his sin more than we want to be humbly reconciled. The only way to pursue peace and true reconciliation is to maintain an attitude of humility at the expense of pride and our personal rights. Pride defends. Humility is willing to yield and tries to find agreement.
  • When we are ready to forgive an offense, we are eager to find a way to make peace.

Other Points

  • Listening to the Holy Spirit – It is important to stay tenderhearted to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. We need to be acutely sensitive to hear when the Holy Spirit is telling us that we have a small area of bitterness growing in our heart. We should not be afraid to examine our own heart. A sign that we are truly examining our heart is when we want to hear the insights that other people have about our attitude, and we are searching for what God wants, and not simply standing up for our rights.
  • Selfish relationships – If we are easily offended, then our relationships are based on what others can do for us and not on respecting them the way they are.
  • Faith – Offences is tied to our trust in God. If we succumb to offenses, it is because our faith is weak. God will need to shake our faith to strengthen it.
  • Bitterness – The story of Absalom is a good example of how a person can become angry over a legitimate offense, but then allow bitterness to grow in his heart until it causes much evil. Absalom judged his father David, and then allowed his bitterness over his injustice to rule his life. This happens today when a leader’s faults make his followers angry and bitter, until they try to overthrow him.
  • Offending for the truth – If we teach the truth, it is inevitable that we will offend people who do not love the truth. Jesus did this. If we compromise the truth to keep from offending people, then we will lose God’s anointing on our ministry. We have chosen our relationship with our friends over our relationship with God. Jesus left those who were offended by the truth behind and moved on.
  • Offending for our rights – We should be careful not to offend someone by flaunting our more liberal understanding of an issue. We should not offend someone who has a weak conscience. Jesus did not owe the temple tax, but he chose to pay the tax in order not to offend those who would not understand his actions if he did not pay the tax. He did not stand up for His rights.

Steps to Overcome an Offense

Just as our body needs exercise, our anti-offense muscle needs exercise. Sometimes it is easy to keep from being offended, but other times it is hard to resist a strong temptation.

Bevere gave these steps for overcoming an offense:

  1. Admit you are hurt. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings about this.
  2. Forgive the person who has offended you and release him from your attention on his guilt.
  3. Practice and strengthen your ability to forgive others when they offend you. This will help you keep an injury from happening again. Stay free.
  4. Go to a higher level of forgiveness and freedom by praying for the person who offended you. Pray like you would want Jesus to pray for you. Pray for the offender’s sake.
  5. Go to the person and communicate reconciliation, apology and forgiveness to him. Learn to love him again despite his faults. You are going for his sake, not yours. You’ve already forgiven him. Communicating reconciliation will seal your forgiveness of him.

The Holy Spirit will lead us in this process at a pace that we can handle. It may seem at times that we are only getting worse. But we will come out of the situation a more mature Christian who is thankful for this experience.

Challenges for Me

When I become bitter, I lose faith in God. I am really angry with God for letting this offense happen. I can always imagine a better world where my rights are always respected, and I become dissatisfied with the world that God created where people offend me. When I am angry with someone, my mind focuses on the wrong that person did to me, instead of focusing on the character lesson that God wants to teach me though this event.

When someone sins and offends me, I feel I should police him into his place – I want to fix his sins. When I get angry, I prove that my relationship was a selfish one. I wouldn’t get angry if I accepted an offensive person just the way he are, and didn’t try to make him into someone who treated me better. My anger often exaggerates and distorts the situation in my mind so that I can’t clearly see the right solution.

I know God wants me to overcome any cycles of anger and bitterness that I have in my family before I go into the wider world. If I carry bitterness into the rest of my life, I will be more prone to become bitter with new people in my life. Getting this block out of my life would free me to serve God more effectively.

So, that was what I learned from The Bait of Satan. I’m glad Mom thought it would be to my spiritual betterment, because it was.

Comments

1 Lakisha Middleton (May 01, 2008 at 8:00 AM)

I have read this book twice.  It was so profound in my total deliverance. I have since passed the book along, but today an incident occurred and just needed to be reminded of what I learned years ago.  This review reminded me of those key points to meditate on and I will be purchasing this book for my library. Thanks

2 Brian Williams (July 29, 2008 at 3:00 PM)

Hi, my name is Brian Williams. I have yet to read this book however I will do so soon. I am the Director of Home Recovery House in Lansing Michigan. We are an after treatment facility for recovering addicts. I have for many years wondered how the enemy attacks and some of It’s methods. Today I will gather more tool to help me to better understand the tricks of his traps. Thank you for pointing out some of the areas in this book that I do look forward to reading. Brian Williams, Lansing Michigan

3 John Tatum (August 19, 2008 at 8:00 PM)

In reference to number 5:

“Go to the person and communicate reconciliation, apology and forgiveness to him. Learn to love him again despite his faults. You are going for his sake, not yours. You’ve already forgiven him. Communicating reconciliation will seal your forgiveness of him.”

I believe that we should communicate reconciliation however, apology and foregiveness could pose an issue as per how they each pertain to a situation.  In the case of apology, one could assume the following:

“If I have caused confusion and or if I angered you, then I apologize”.

But on the other hand if I did not cause the problem, and I was subjected to an abusive situation, then I believe that I should forgive them and pray for them, but apologizing for something that I did not do to create the issue, going to the individual in some cases could only add more fuel to the fire and only worsen the situation. I have seen this happen time and time again. Again that is not to say that your method does not work at all, I am not saying that at all. I am saying that you must be very careful when you use this methodology because you can make things even worse than they are.

Also in an abusive and explosive situation I believe that we are to separate ourselves from situations where we could put ourselves in harms way unawares. Explosive situations should be “taken to those who are trained to handle situations as such.” This could be the elders of the church such as the Pastor and or those who have credentials and experience in areas where explosive anger and retribution can flare up and make the situation worse than it already is. Now one can argue this fact and preach that “it is not scriptural” however, we must also understand that God has placed his grace on those who are labled as “Christian Counselor’s” who are trained in areas to handle situations such as this. So again, a deliniation should be made stressing that under “explosive situations” a Christian Counselor “should” be consulted before any type of reconciliation takes place. Our good intensions sometimes will get in the way of good and sound judgement and turn as situation into something opposite of what our intensions were of the outcome!

John Tatum
Doctorial Student
Nova Southeastern Graduation School of Computer and Information Sciences.

4 Tammi (August 26, 2008 at 4:37 PM)

Hi!  I just read your blog.  I am so excited about this book! The women’s group at church is going to start reading and studing this book after Labor Day.  I hope I get out of it what you seem to have gotten out of it. God Bless! Tammi Tulsa, OK

5 Lindsey (September 03, 2008 at 5:42 PM)

I feel that your comments were exceptional and overall sound. Not having read the book, your comments persuade me to do so. Thanks, Lindsey

6 Anna (January 07, 2009 at 8:58 PM)

Very Intriguing. I have not read the book, but I am going through a circumstance of someone I love dearly that I believe to have bitterness in his heart.  I just happened to stumble across your website in searching to see if there were any books out there on the topic of bitterness. My loved one does NOT see that he is bitter and denies it. However, he fits a lot of the points you’ve described. I’m going to get the book to atleast read for myself…and keep praying harder than ever for my loved one.

7 Amy (January 14, 2009 at 5:09 AM)

This book is a must read.  I have read it several times.  I pull it out and read it every time I have an issue of unforgiveness.  It is a really powerful book.  It really helps in those times when we do become offended by someone, even if we have done nothing wrong.  There is also a video series that goes along with it, as well as a workbook.

8 pearl (January 30, 2009 at 10:56 AM)

hi, my name is pearl.i have read this book, and im glad i did, right now i dont find it difficult to forgive. thanks alot

9 Dereck (March 14, 2009 at 6:19 PM)

Be aware this book is not supported by scripture, and the premise is it is a sin to take offense which is far from what the Bible teaches. If that were true then both God and Jesus are habitial sinners.

Even John’s account allowed abuse in the church he was on staff at. He gives an example of one pastor trying to get him fired and other associate pastors in the church. When asked about it he claims he had documented evidence and refused to answer and let the abuse continue. The Pastor should have fired him and the other pastor.

This is a dangerous book.

10 Adam (April 30, 2009 at 5:05 AM)

Dear Reader,

The Author of the Bait of Satan has written a book that reveals the truth. When we get offended, at least for me, it really rocks the boat in my life. My relationship with the Holy Spirit is kind of put on hold until I get past the offense. For me when God is not involved in my daily life because of my offense then life stinks. Things don’t go right and the Father is trying to get my attention. But when I do come to my senses the truth sets me free. What a relief to my spirit it is! To be smart spiritually is to forgive quickly. The scriptures set us free. Thank you John Bevere

11 Stephan (May 12, 2009 at 1:55 AM)

The only way for this book to be dangerous is if you are scared that you might actually be able to forgive someone who offended you or when you are not ready for growing to maturity as a Christian. I was delighted to find that everything said was supported by scripture, and refers to bible passages all the way. So part of reading this book is continiously going to the bible in order to get the meaning in context.

I’m only halfway through it and my life and view of others have already changed bigtime! For the first time in my life the love between me and my brothers is so strong it can be touched.

Stephan (New Zealand)

12 Trying to Heal (August 04, 2009 at 8:46 AM)

I would like to hear more about what to do when you have a person above you who is spiritually abusing you….we talk a lot about if a woman is being hit by her husband to get out—but what about a Pastor that abuses you?? I have had a pastor that treated me very badly and if I was not right with her..I was not right with God. She controlled who people married in our church..who we could be friends with….etc… I have been living in fear for SO long and as much as I would love reconciliation….sometimes getting back into a relationship like that is just not wise. I would love to hear John talk about what to do when you ARE being beat up emotionally by your spiritual leaders….the charastmtic church has YET to truly touch on this and balance out this teaching that makes all our pastors mini gods that can rule out lives. The ONLY Pastor that I have heard touch on this is Keven Brent….no other has dared….I do, however, agree that you MUST keep offense out of your heart! John must know that his teaching is being used as a tool to keep people IN such horrible situations…saying that we are just offended if we leave…

13 BOTSHELO IRENE KOBE (August 20, 2009 at 7:50 AM)

This book is important in our lifes as christians even non christians because it helps us to deal with our emotions and problems cauz as human beings we often hurt other people being aware or unaware.

14 Rosalyn Rubertino (August 26, 2009 at 5:35 AM)

On my way to work.  Excellent writing so far.  I am printing it out to read later.  I am experiencing this very thing right now.  Sensitive to the HS guidance I rarely leave a situation until resolution is complete.

15 TRB (September 10, 2009 at 1:36 PM)

Our Church is doing this study. It is very good. Thank you for sharing it. God Bless you.

16 John Holby (November 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM)

I believe that the Bait of Satan is false hope that comes with disappointment.
I fly Paragliders and our dream is to fly with the Eagles.
However the price of this dream is a lot of waiting especially when you stand on top of a mountain waiting for updrafts and you experience a tail wind.
There is a pilots nightmare and that is to end up in a rotor.
The wind is against you but because of the topography the wind comes inn and looks like perfect conditions. Launching in a rotor can cause death.I believe the cure from falling in the bait of satan is to experience a Strong Baptism and power of the Holy Spirit who will lead us and help us to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ that will melt all anxiety and fear and doubt in our hearts so that we can truly soar in the Spirit to meet Jesus.COME HOLY SPIRIT

17 Rajeev Menon (December 12, 2009 at 3:05 AM)

This book has blesses be immensly, i have purchased 24 copies to make sure everyone reads it.
Must read for every Christian, specially Leaders.
God Bless you John.

18 Julie George (January 11, 2010 at 9:55 AM)

Thanks for blogging this book.
It was a good reminder to walk in humility. I need the Lord to increase my faith so I can forgive 70x70. I appreciate your work out here. 

19 rolando (March 13, 2010 at 9:16 AM)

The Bait of Satan radically change my attitude towards difficult acceptance of being offended.  I am blessed when I read this book especially for many insight that expose our hidden weakness. God bless you Bro. John Bevere.  If ever I found anyone with the same situation as mentioned in this book I didn’t hesitate to share it to them.  Amen.  Rolly A.

20 Maria Fitzsimonds (March 26, 2010 at 1:42 PM)

I needed to read this commentary today on John Bevere’s book.  I had read the book years ago but not having it handy and feeling hurt and confused because of feeling wronged or I guess offended by someone very close to me, I believe it was the Lord who reminded me of this wonderful book.  I appreciate the points mentioned above; they have helped sooth my aching heart and keep me on the right path, God’s path, of forgiveness and reconciliation.  I am so thankful for finding this site “by chance.”  Thank you!  MF

21 romidla morrison (April 03, 2010 at 10:18 PM)

What if you werent aware you had offended someone, so when you find out you attempt to make contact to try and make amends but your are refused, how can i resolve the issue.

22 Lydiah (May 28, 2010 at 3:35 AM)

For the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of tension between my fiance and i. I realised that i had offended him and his reponse was offending me too. I was feeling unappreciated. I had read the Bait of Satan last year(2009) and this morning as i was doing my devotions, the Holy Spirit reveled to me that i was being judgmental and unforgiving and that i needed to forgive my fiance of his “inconsiderate” responses which ended up offending me. So i prayed and forgave him, i felt so relaxed and peaceful. I pray that God ministers to him as well and i look forward to a great reconsiliation soon. I gave him my copy of the Bait of Satan to read early this year.