The Devil’s Opportunity

Why Are You So Mad?, a devotional by Gregg Matte on Youversion

Have you ever had revenge conversations going on in your mind? Do you go back to discussions and “rewrite” the scene according to what you should have said instead of what you did say? That is an unsettled moment. When we do not deal with anger before the sun goes down, and when we carry it into the following day, the Bible says that we are giving the Devil a foothold, an opportunity to make things worse. Satan gets a hold of us when we do not deal with anger as soon as possible.

When we give the Devil an opportunity, he can expand small things and make them big. Remember that he is the father of lies, he came to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). When we choose to carry our anger into the following day, we allow Satan to hurt our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. 

What is God’s advice on the matter? First, daily make it right! Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Get it over as soon as possible. Small bricks build big walls. It separates us from God and others. Secondly, choose to forgive. In Ephesians 4:31–32 we read, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We can forgive because we have been forgiven. 

Thought of the Day

Choose to forgive daily! Do not give the Devil an opportunity to separate you from God and others.  

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Luke 22:39‭-‬46

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:10‭-‬18