When someone wrongs us, it seems like we almost have a right to be angry. I know I often feel this way. I tell myself it’s a natural reaction caused by someone wronging me. But the bottom line is this: we can’t always control what others will do to us, but we can control how we react.

There is a book titled the Bait of Satan by John Bevere. I haven’t read the book but I’ve heard it talked about. Anyway, the book basically says that we need to focus on the part we can control, namely, how we respond to the offense. He says that while the offense is inevitable, choosing to take the bait and harbor anger and resentment is an option.

And the book also says that it is pride that keeps people trapped in offense. It tells us we have a right to be offended at what was done to us. This makes us a perpetual victim, blinding us to our own heart condition and preventing us from seeking reconciliation or repentance. So we harbor anger and resentment as it eats away at us, refusing to let it go.

I think the remedy to this is not only forgiveness, but it is also the ability to embody the Gospel. Is the Gospel real to us? Do we live with a Gospel perspective? Because if you consider what the cross means, if you are able to see yourself and the world around you through a Gospel lens, you might not be so quick to get angry. What I mean is that we ourselves have been forgiven–lavishly forgiven. God ought to be pretty angry with us because of our sin, but if you know Jesus as your Savior, God’s wrath has been averted. He has given you eternal life instead of the death you rightly deserve. He loved you while you hated Him. This realization should humble us. It should make it very difficult to want to nurse anger. We would be quick to forgive because we’ve been forgiven in such a profound way.

All of this is much easier said than done. In fact, I don’t think we can do it without God the Holy Spirit helping us in our lives. Are you too easily offended? Lay aside your pride and your need to be right all the time, and give it to God. Your part is to forgive. If you can do that, you’ve successfully escaped the “bait of Satan”.