The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
Week 9: Chapter 8 — Forgiving the Unrepentant
Read Chapter 8 of The Bait of Satan. Key Scripture: Luke 23:34; Stephen's prayer in Acts 7:60; Romans 5:8.
Previewing Week 9 of The Bait of Satan
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
One of the hardest questions this book raises is whether we must forgive when there has been no apology — this chapter looks that question squarely in the eye.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Bevere addresses the common objection: "I can't forgive until they apologize and make things right." What is his response to this, and what does he say is at stake spiritually if we adopt this position?
2.Jesus prayed from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" — while His executioners were still nailing Him. Stephen echoed this prayer as stones were being thrown at him. What do these two examples communicate about the relationship between the offender's response and the victim's freedom to forgive?
3.Romans 5:8 says that God demonstrated His love for us "in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." How does this verse undercut the argument that forgiveness must wait for repentance? What precedent did God set first?