Offense

     Before we can discuss offense, we must first understand what it really is. Offense is the act of creating resentment and hurt feelings. And here's the hard truth: the closer someone is to you, the greater the impact of their actions when they hurt you. Take a moment to really absorb this: the more someone means to us, the deeper their offense can go. We often get wrapped up in how we're treated and justify our offense based on what was done to us. If you think back to your childhood, chances are, you experienced some trauma. And yes, trauma sucks. I know it well. I’ve spent 43 years of my life trapped in the bait of satan, focusing on being hurt, offended, and angry. And I’ll tell you, that feeling sucks. I didn’t like it—at all.


    I attended therapy for about five years, and while it’s helped me, it hasn’t “healed” the deep wounds of the past. Those feelings were always there, lingering. But the real question is: How do you get over the offense people have caused you? How do you stop being offended by the people who are supposed to love you—your family, your friends, even your spouse? These people legitimately hurt you, and yes, it hurts because we are human. Now, let’s get real about this. The hurt is real. The offense is real. But here’s where the real work begins: How we choose to respond is key. We can’t control what others do to us, but we can control how we respond. You have a choice. You can choose to become offended, or you can choose to turn the other cheek, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:39.
     

    Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t matter what is done to you; it matters how you respond. This isn’t about them—this is about your relationship with God. When they hurt you, you may feel like you didn’t deserve it. Romans 12:19 says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” God is the ultimate judge, and He’s got your back. Let Him deal with the people who have hurt you. God will repay them, not you.
So, what does this mean for you? It means forgiveness. It means repentance if you’ve let anger, bitterness, or jealousy take root. But before we can get right with God, we must first forgive those who have offended us. Remember what Matthew 6:15 teaches: “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
   

     I highly recommend reading The Bait of Satan by John Bevere. It may sound dramatic, but I promise it will change your life. It will help restore relationships and give you a deep understanding of the trap that offense can become. If satan can get you to take the bait of offense, he wins. Do not let the enemy steal your relationships. THIS IS WHAT SATAN WANTS!!!! KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY!!!Offense is the perfect bait, and it’s so easy to fall into it when we feel wronged.


    f those who hurt you could magically stop causing pain, they would. But they can’t—not without Jesus. We need God to change us. We need God to help us forgive, even when it feels impossible. Let God handle the justice. God sees the full picture. Trust me, your version of revenge isn’t needed.
Don't get trapped in the bait of offense. It’s not easy. Our flesh loves to get even. It’s hard to let go when we’ve been hurt, especially by those closest to us. But 1 Peter 3:9 reminds us: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.”
 

    When I was at Barnes & Noble, a minister I met recommended The Bait of Satan, and it truly changed my life. Through it, I learned what offense really is and how living in offense can destroy relationships. If you’re struggling with this or want to talk more about it, I’d love to connect with you.


God bless you,

Jane

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