The Mousetrap: Offense Is the Bait of Satan
One of the illustrations I’ve used is a mousetrap. The bait lures the mouse in and then traps it. Offense is Satan’s bait. When we grab it—by rehearsing hurts, judging motives, or refusing to forgive—we get trapped. But God wants you free: free to love, free to rejoice, and free to move forward in your calling.
Start Here: Keep God’s Word Front and Center
Proverbs 4:20–23 (KJV)
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Psalm 119:165 (KJV)
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
When God’s Word fills your sight and heart, it brings life, health, and peace. It also trains your thoughts so offense can’t take root.
Guard Your Mind: Take Thoughts Captive
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (KJV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Not every thought deserves a home in your heart. Refuse assumptions, rumors, and mind-reading. Speak truth to your own mind.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (KJV)
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Seeds and Harvest: How Offense Grows
What you meditate on becomes a seed. Offense → unforgiveness → root of bitterness → defilement.
Hebrews 12:15 (KJV)
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Plant the Word and reap peace, joy, righteousness. Plant suspicion and you’ll reap turmoil.
Mary and Martha: One Thing Is Needful
Luke 10:38–42 (KJV)
…a certain woman named Martha received him into her house… And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving… And Jesus answered… Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Serving is good, but sitting with Jesus is essential. Without the Word recalibrating our hearts, small frictions become big offenses.
Three Common Offenses & How to Respond
1) Imaginary Offense (Assumptions and Mind-Reading)
When we assume motives (“They ignored me on purpose”), we take the bait.
Action: Take the thought captive. Replace it with truth and love.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (above) and 1 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)
[Charity] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Example—Saul’s Jealousy of David (correct ref):
1 Samuel 18:7–9 (KJV)
And the women answered… Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth… And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
Jealous comparison birthed suspicion and lifelong pursuit. Don’t let imagined slights steer your destiny.
Example—Naaman’s Offense at Elisha:
2 Kings 5:10–14 (KJV) (excerpt)
And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times… But Naaman was wroth, and went away… And his servants came near, and spake unto him… Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan… and he was clean.
Godly counsel helped Naaman let go of offense and receive healing.
2) Accidental Offense (Unintentional Hurts)
People forget, arrive late, miss signals, or speak from a different culture. Show mercy.
1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Proverbs 19:11 (KJV)
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Choose to overlook. Believe the best.
3) Actual/Malicious Offense (Genuine Wrongs)
Sometimes people really do sin against us. God still calls us to a biblical process aimed at restoration.
Matthew 18:15–17 (KJV)
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone… But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more… And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church…
Luke 17:3–4 (KJV)
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day… thou shalt forgive him.
Pursue private conversation → wise witnesses → church care. Most conflicts resolve in step 1 when done humbly.
What Forgiveness Is (and Isn’t)
Forgiveness isn’t pretending it never happened or waiting to “feel” better. It’s canceling the debt and entrusting justice to God.
Romans 12:19 (KJV)
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves… for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…
If Jesus forgave from the cross, He can empower you to forgive today.
Gospel Motivation: Why We Can Let Go
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
We’ve been forgiven much; therefore, we forgive. Holding offense mortgages your future; letting go sets you free.
Practical Action Steps
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Return to the Word daily (Proverbs 4:20–23; Luke 10:38–42).
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Police your thoughts—refuse assumptions; think on what’s true (2 Cor. 10:3–5; Phil. 4:8).
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Overlook small stuff (1 Pet. 4:8; Prov. 19:11; Eccl. 7:9).
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Pursue reconciliation God’s way (Matt. 18:15–17; Luke 17:3–4).
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Release justice to God (Rom. 12:19).
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Watch for the root of bitterness and uproot it quickly (Heb. 12:15).
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Pray and bless those who hurt you; speak Scripture over your mind and emotions.