What general principles make for wise bargaining? - Bargaining - TouchPoints

Genesis 18:31-32Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.” Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”

Abraham cared enough about his neighbors to engage God in bargaining for their lives. It is good for us to have others’ best welfare at heart as opposed to our own selfish priorities. How often do you approach God with genuine concern about the physical and spiritual well-being of others?

Proverbs 11:1The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.

Our integrity is demonstrated most clearly in the little details of our fair treatment of others (see Proverbs 16:11).

Proverbs 20:14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain!

A good bargain is a fair deal for both parties. Honest bargaining will create a win-win situation for both the buyer and the seller.

Psalm 40:13Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.

Since God loves to give, consider simply asking God for his help instead of bargaining with him. A beloved child doesn’t hesitate to ask her parents for help; she instinctively asks. Likewise, we misjudge God when we hesitate to ask him for help. The greater our sense of hopelessness, the better it is to reach our empty hands out to God for help (see Psalm 116:4). Recognizing both our helplessness and his unlimited resources is an effective basis from which to ask God for help.

Psalm 86:5O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

When we limit God’s help to his giving us safety and wealth, we overlook our greatest need: our need for his forgiveness and faithful love. These flow out of God’s goodness and are not earned by us. They come free with our humble asking.