"I'm Sorry – Please Forgive Me"

God created human beings for relationships, and this is revealed most perfectly in the family and loving friendships. From an early age children love to play and make friends. However, even toddlers will engage in conflict and consequently get their feelings hurt. Parents teach children to apologize, to say, "I'm sorry," so friendships can be restored.

Regrettably, the most damaging and unforgettable conflicts take place within the family, but even in the worst situation reconciliation is possible as those involved sincerely apologize and seek forgiveness. To fail to do so is attributed to pride, which stifles love and affection.

One feature of Samson's character was pride, which prohibited him from apologizing and seeking forgiveness. He refused to look weak and ineffective. Admitting mistakes and failures engenders respect from others. According to Psalm 31:23, "The Lord God protects the faithful but punishes the proud." Praise be to God for the wonderful love he extends to the humble in spirit.  

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The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of our name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins.

~Psalm 25:8-11 New Living Translation

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Arrogant Pride and Passionate Anger

I'm sure Samson's parents were proud of him for several reasons. He was chosen by God to be a judge over the Israelites. What his parents’ guidelines and boundaries were for him as a child and adolescent can’t be known, but Samson’s lifestyle as an adult did not correspond with the lifestyle of one called to serve God with his gifts and talent.

Samson seemed unwilling to place boundaries on his angry impulses driven by violent thoughts. He was prideful and incapable of recognizing his complicity in the tragedies he experienced. He resorted to blaming others indiscriminately for his personal losses.

Unhealthy pride and passion victimized Samson by cutting him off from the potential God initially planned for him. Listen to Ephesians 4:31. "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every form of malice. Instead be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God in Christ forgave you.” What may seem impossible becomes possible with God’s help.  

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What do you think the Scripture means when it says the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, watches over us with tender jealousy? But he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets himself against the proud and haughty.

~James 4:5-6 The Living Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.