61 REFUSE OFFENSE

John Brevere aptly reminds us that offense is “the bait of Satan.” Don’t take the bait.

Here’s how the bait of offense works in marriage. Your spouse says or does something hurtful. You feel hurt and pain. At that moment, the enemy whispers, “You have the right to be offended. Get angry. Get back. Get even. Stay hurt. Don’t forgive.”

At this point all that’s really happened is a feeling and a temptation. Your next step makes all the difference. It’s called your response.

Feelings are not right or wrong; responses are right or wrong. Feelings are simply emotional triggers within our souls. How we handle our feelings makes all the difference. We can choose to respond with hate or love, forgiveness or unforgiveness, peace or war.

Your response determines whether you take Satan’s bait or resist it. Remember that his bait is a trap designed to steal your joy or love, destroy intimacy or even kill your relationship. The enemy can only gain a foothold in your marriage through offense. And you choose whether to take the bait or not.

Try this: The next time you are tempted to become offended with your spouse say out loud, “Get behind me, Satan, in Jesus’ name.”

Therefore submit to God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

James 4:7–8