It’s no surprise that pride is mentioned first among the deadly sins…
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)
16 These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to [a]Him:
17 A[b] proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
Too many times pride makes us feel strong, powerful and assertive at times when we should be proving that strength through meekness, humility and patience.
This behavior manifests itself many times when we have been hurt by someone…
Betrayed…
Abused…
Ignored…
Misunderstood…
Mistreated…
Taken for granted…
Conspired against…
Slandered…
Lied on…
The list goes on and on as to the number of reasons we feel justified in saying,
“I AIN’T BEGGING NOBODY!”
Have you ever felt that way? Said that? Heard someone say that?
It’s PRIDE!
Think about this. God in all of His infinite and eternal power has proven throughout scripture that He is not too proud to beg.
God proves that sometimes, begging isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of…
Unconditional love…
Patience…
Peacekeeping…
Kindness…
Gentleness…
Self-Control…
Faithfulness…
Conforming to the image of Christ.
It’s amazing how our Western culture attributes weakness to the attributes that God calls strength. Think about it. Many people consider the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 as weakness.
Notice here a few examples of when God BEGGED his…
‘Adulterous Wife’…
Children…
Chosen people…
HE didn’t just ask…He practically begged them to RETURN TO HIM!
And, notice that God begs us to return to Him not because He did wrong, but after we did wrong…
Isaiah 44:22 (NASB)
22 I have wiped out your wrongdoings like a thick cloud
And your sins like a [a]heavy mist.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
Nehemiah 1:9 (NKJV)
9 but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’
Zechariah 1:3 (NKJV)
3 Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.
Malachi 3:7 (NLT)
7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’
James 4:8 (NKJV)
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
As you manage your relationships…
Marriages…
Children…
Parents…
Siblings…
Friends…
Professional…
Spiritual…
…remember that sometimes begging is a sign of strength, spiritual maturity and conforming to God’s image, while hardening one’s heart is a sign of spiritual weakness. And, also remember that some relationships only continue because someone has enough strength to beg…just like God.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 
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