Summary

In "The Bait of Satan," John Bevere delves into a critical, yet often overlooked, spiritual snare: offense. He argues that offense, when internalized and brooded upon, becomes a tool of Satan to entrap believers, severing relationships and hindering their divine purpose. The book begins by establishing that offense is inevitable, a reality Jesus Himself acknowledged. Bevere meticulously dissects how offense operates, often masked by pride and a sense of victimhood, preventing individuals from recognizing their captivity.

The author illuminates the subtle ways offense manifests, leading to bitterness, anger, and resentment, which in turn erect protective walls that ultimately imprison the offended. These walls, or strongholds, distort one's perception, making it difficult to trust God and believe His promises. The book contrasts 'agape' love, the unconditional love of God, with 'phileo' love, a conditional, reciprocal affection, highlighting how easily offense can extinguish the former.

"The Bait of Satan" also explores the destructive progression from offense to betrayal and hatred, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. Through biblical examples such as Joseph and David, Bevere illustrates how to respond to unjust treatment without succumbing to offense. He stresses that God uses even the actions of others to fulfill His divine plan, and that no one can ultimately thwart His purposes for your life.

Moreover, the book provides practical steps for breaking free from offense, including recognizing one's true heart condition, buying God's refined gold (a pure heart), and anointing one's eyes with eye salve to see clearly. Bevere challenges readers to commit to reconciliation, even when it means humbling themselves and risking further hurt. In essence, "The Bait of Satan" is a call to guard one's heart against offense, embrace forgiveness, and walk in the unconditional love of God, thereby escaping Satan's deadly snare and fulfilling one's divine destiny.