Breaking the Cycle (The Bait of Satan)

Pastor John Mateos Ong

Realizing that the enemy uses offense as a trap to hinder the growth of your relationship with God, God makes you aware so that we can do something about it. He reveals that you are offended so you can be free.

Ephesians 4:26–27 says, ““In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

You have to break the cycle of offense in your life.

1. Identify the trap. Matthew 6:15 says, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” You have to understand the strategy of the enemy.  2 Corinthians 2:11 says, “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” Recognize the symptoms. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Acknowledge the pain. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Stop pretending that you are ok.

2. Choose forgiveness. It’s a choice you can make today. Unforgiveness is like a poison you drank while waiting for your enemy to die. You can forgive even when you are still hurting and an apology has not yet been given. Acts 8:23 says, “For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.””   Letting go releases you first. Forgiveness frees your heart from bitterness and bondage. It is not easy. But when it is difficult, remember your own forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

3. Change your perspective. Matthew 18:35 says, ““This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”” Forgiveness is not equivalent to reconciliation. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” There are still differences but you have peace. Release the right to be right. Galatians 6:3 says, “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Offense survives when you always protect your being right. Freedom begins when you surrender your right to defend yourself. Trust God as the only just judge. Tomans 12:9 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Forgive from the heart, not just the moutg. Matthew 18:35 says, ““This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”” See trials as a test. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” The truth does not cushion the pain. Stop rehearsing the wrong. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, ““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Refuse victim mentality.

Practical steps to break the cycle:

1. Pray for your offender. Bless them.

2. Use the word of God. Don’t go far away from Him.

3. Pursue reconciliation.

4. Guard your heart.