Vibrant Hope: Overcoming Pride

Thursday 8/01/2024

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) 18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

One of the most well-known scriptures regarding pride is Proverbs 16:18 (NIV): “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse warns about the dangers of pride, emphasizing that it can lead to downfall. It stresses the importance of humility and highlights that pride can be a barrier to a healthy relationship with God and others. The Bible consistently teaches that while humility is a virtue, pride can lead to spiritual and relational ruin.

How to Overcome Pride?

Overcoming pride involves making a conscious effort to cultivate humility and acknowledge our dependence on God. Here are some practical steps:

• Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your thoughts and behaviours to identify areas where pride may be manifesting.
• Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with trusted friends or mentors who can speak truth into your life.
• Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge the blessings and gifts in your life as coming from God, not from your own merit.
• Serve Others: Engage in acts of service to remind yourself of the value of others and to put their needs above your own.
• Pray for Humility: Ask God to help you recognize and combat pride in your life.

Scripture on How to Overcome Pride

Several scriptures offer guidance on how to develop humility and conquer pride.”

James 4:6 (NIV): “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:; God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble

Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV): “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

1 Peter 5:5 (NIV): “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

These verses emphasize the importance of humility and provide guidance on living a life that respects both God and others.

Prayer Points on this Scripture

Here are some prayer points that focus on overcoming pride and seeking humility:

1. Prayer for Awareness: “Lord, help me to recognize areas in my life where pride may be taking root. Open my eyes to see myself as I truly am.”
2. Prayer for Humility: “Heavenly Father, I ask for a spirit of humility. Teach me to value others above myself and to serve those around me.”
3. Prayer for Grace: “God, thank you for your grace that covers my shortcomings. Help me to extend that grace to others and to remember that I am nothing without You.”
4. Prayer for Accountability: “Lord, bring people into my life who will hold me accountable and encourage me to walk in humility.”
5. Prayer for Transformation: “Transform my heart, O God. Remove any prideful thoughts or actions from my life and fill me with Your love and humility.”

By focusing on these scriptures and prayer points, we can work towards overcoming pride and fostering a spirit of humility in our lives as Christians today. Shalom!

By Pastor AK Mannah