Ravaging Wolves & Bad Trees




“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravaging wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Recently I’ve realized that Satan works through people, even the people that you could trust the most. These people usually seem incredibly warming, passionate, wear their heart on their sleeve, but when the relationship gets comfortable and you become vulnerable, that’s when Satan uses these certain people to tear you down, be little you, and make you feel less than. By using these people that you trust, he manipulates you into believing that you are a FAILURE and WORTHLESS. His goal is to break you down and question God. Why would you do this God? Why does this person hate me so much? The problem is that it’s not God, it’s Satan. He wants you to hurt, to cry, to feel like you’ve failed, to feel ‘no good’, and most importantly blame God.

How to recognize these people before letting them into my life?

“You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit…So You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” Matthew 7:16-17, 20

Good people spread good vibes. A good tree usually hangs around with positive spiritually mature people. You can tell by the fruit (the disciples of the tree) whether the tree is an innocent sheep or a ravaging wolf. Is their fruit flourishing or dying from sin? Do they hang out with negative people? Do you find them complaining often? Never forget to check their fruit.

How to still love the bad trees?

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

Even when you recognize the bad trees, they could already be deeply rooted into your life and have started to show their true colors. They could have already made you feel WORTHLESS and USELESS. 
Although we may now see an old friend as an enemy, as a Christ follower, you must love and pray for the bad trees. Christ came across many bad trees in his ministry, but he reminded them of God’s greater purpose and still showed them righteousness. There will be times when you may feel so down from the ravaging wolf that you don’t want to love them, but guess what? That’s human nature. Even though it’s normal, doesn’t make it right. God called us to love our enemies and pray for them. God will take care of Satan’s work through them, but it’s our job to do what’s right.

How to react to the ravaging wolves?

“Pay careful attention, then, to how to walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making most of the time because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:11-12

“In every situation take the shield of faith, and you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16

React in righteousness. React with the shield of faith and sword of the Spirit. React with the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit. Control your tongue and do not believe in belittling words. Be patient, be kind and withdraw yourself if necessary.

“But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12



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