How important is it to be right?

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Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
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#1
Hi everyone I have recently been thinking about the fact that many times in life things happen where we can be misunderstood..labelled,be seen by others as being a particular kind of person..even having a discussion about the bible with others and feel your point isnt being acknowledged or even belived...or even when having a disagreement with someone.....making us want to prove to them that they are wrong.
It happens at times...in my life many times this happens.At times it's not nice to be falsely accused...misunderstood and be perceived as being wrong when you feel you are right.
The question I ask is this.. just how important is it to prove to others that one is right?Sometimes biblical discussions can even turn confrontational/argumentative ect just for the sake of proving that the other person or others are wrong and that one is right.we all naturally have a desire to be seen in the right light.Yet just how important is it to be vindicated everytime we feel the need to prove our case ect believing that we have to convince others that we are right?
I have seen some people go on and on and never let something go coz they are out to prove they are right.It can be a bitter taste for some to just let go/just let God deal with things/to decide it's not worth all the hassle to prove one is right ect.
So as Gods precious people what are your thought about this?How far would you go just to prove a point?..There is a natural scope to express oneself for sure...yet just how far would you feel is appropriate in doing that to show/prove one is right?
Point scoring,seeking to show others up as being in error,belittling comments I have had to witness in what should of been healthly bible discussions🤦🏼‍♂️.So it would be nice to hear you views on this matter..I know some have either been hurt by this kinda thing..me personally I have a cut off point...sometimes you can tell it's not worth bothering or that the dynamic would get heated or horrible...and I jus decide "nah..i an gonna worry myself with this".😊
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,223
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#2
The question's answer depends on how much you care about the opinion of the person you are trying to convince. Different people will have different answers.

For the people I respect, the people that I care what they think, I would go a long way to try to make them understand my point. Fortunately all the people who matter to me are the kind of people who listen to what you are saying, so I never have to go to great lengths.

I have never met anybody who is intelligent enough for me to care about his opinion, but obstinate and closed-minded enough that I have to go to the ends of the earth to make him listen to my point. I don't know what I would do if I met such a person. I hope I never find out.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,223
9,292
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#3
This thread reminds me of a Children's Church class. My role in Children's Church was peacekeeper and general assistant. One Sunday two boys came in to class arguing about whether Santa Claus was real. The boy who maintained Santa was not real was louder and more insistent, but the boy who believed in a fat man delivering presents was resolute in his belief. Unfortunately the first boy couldn't drop the argument when class started. He kept debating his side of the case, despite multiple admonitions from the teacher. Finally I took him outside the classroom for a bit to cool down.

When I pulled him from class he was indignant because he thought I got the wrong one. He thought it was unfair to take him out to the hall because he was right and he knew he was right. I said, "Yeah you're right. I know there's no Santa, you know there's no Santa... but you will never convince him of it. You can pile facts on facts and back him in to a logic corner and maybe get him to admit that you possibly have a point, but he will never believe he is wrong. He's still going to believe in a fat guy in a red suit sliding down chimneys. In the meantime, your argument is interrupting Sis. Kim's lesson."

That moment will always stick with me because it is the first time I have ever gotten through to an argumentative little boy. He saw my point, and when we went back into class he didn't pick the argument back up.
 
G

Godsgirl83

Guest
#5
I have learned that when someone wants argue their rightness so much so that they can not see where they are wrong, then nothing I say can/will change their mind.

Also, why should I waste my time trying to convince someone that I'm right? In time (for most things, ) it will be proven. ( OR I'll eventually, maybe realize where I am not right on the issue and have to partake in some humble pie)

I've learned with my husband that if we get into petty arguments over whose right on something that it only leads to more arguments and turns molehills into mountains. But, when I am truly right about something (and not just thinking in my own mind that I am) and let it go without trying to argue and prove I am, eventually (on most things) he comes to see so, and then has to eat a piece of that humble pie. ( I've tried that humble pie. It is NOT on my list of favorite pies :LOL: )
 

Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
1,488
1,298
113
#6
The question's answer depends on how much you care about the opinion of the person you are trying to convince. Different people will have different answers.

For the people I respect, the people that I care what they think, I would go a long way to try to make them understand my point. Fortunately all the people who matter to me are the kind of people who listen to what you are saying, so I never have to go to great lengths.

I have never met anybody who is intelligent enough for me to care about his opinion, but obstinate and closed-minded enough that I have to go to the ends of the earth to make him listen to my point. I don't know what I would do if I met such a person. I hope I never find out.
HI thanks for commenting to this thread.Yes that's a good point about it depends on how much you care about the person you're trying to convince..plus it also depends what's at stake too..👍
You're blessed to have people that you care about being the type who will listen to what you say coz even family can be a bit of a battle ground at times.I know mine is sometimes..😂
Much appreciate your comments here
 

Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
1,488
1,298
113
#7
This thread reminds me of a Children's Church class. My role in Children's Church was peacekeeper and general assistant. One Sunday two boys came in to class arguing about whether Santa Claus was real. The boy who maintained Santa was not real was louder and more insistent, but the boy who believed in a fat man delivering presents was resolute in his belief. Unfortunately the first boy couldn't drop the argument when class started. He kept debating his side of the case, despite multiple admonitions from the teacher. Finally I took him outside the classroom for a bit to cool down.

When I pulled him from class he was indignant because he thought I got the wrong one. He thought it was unfair to take him out to the hall because he was right and he knew he was right. I said, "Yeah you're right. I know there's no Santa, you know there's no Santa... but you will never convince him of it. You can pile facts on facts and back him in to a logic corner and maybe get him to admit that you possibly have a point, but he will never believe he is wrong. He's still going to believe in a fat guy in a red suit sliding down chimneys. In the meantime, your argument is interrupting Sis. Kim's lesson."

That moment will always stick with me because it is the first time I have ever gotten through to an argumentative little boy. He saw my point, and when we went back into class he didn't pick the argument back up.
Gosh seems like the boy finally understood that yes he was right but wasn't gonna convince the other kid and his determination to make his point was disruptive.Plus I am sure the other boy didn't bring it up either.
That teacher must of been so grateful that you managed to sort out this seemingly never-ending dispute.
Glad this thread made you think of this event.
My goodness wouldnt it be nice if many adults could be persuaded to just let go of that bone they have been munching on coz no matter how much munching they do the bone isn't gonna change no later how hard they keeo biting it ect..
Cheers for that account...Made a great read.
It amazing how a person can be right yet be wrong at the some time..😊
 

Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
1,488
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#8
We have a very strong group of Christian friends, with varying beliefs, and we respect each others opinions and avoid discussions or trying to change their minds.
HI Jandante thanks for checking out his post.👍It's great that you have such a group dynamic here.Respectfully honouring each other is a great asset.I have seen believers kinda tear into each other even about which bible translation they are reading to the point of implying that they are disobeying God if they are not reading he King James version.
You have been spared the head ache of such things.😊😊😊🤗
 

Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
1,488
1,298
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#9
I have learned that when someone wants argue their rightness so much so that they can not see where they are wrong, then nothing I say can/will change their mind.

Also, why should I waste my time trying to convince someone that I'm right? In time (for most things, ) it will be proven. ( OR I'll eventually, maybe realize where I am not right on the issue and have to partake in some humble pie)

I've learned with my husband that if we get into petty arguments over whose right on something that it only leads to more arguments and turns molehills into mountains. But, when I am truly right about something (and not just thinking in my own mind that I am) and let it go without trying to argue and prove I am, eventually (on most things) he comes to see so, and then has to eat a piece of that humble pie. ( I've tried that humble pie. It is NOT on my list of favorite pies :LOL: )
Hi Godsgirl83 nice of you to pop by here.
You made me laught about about the pies.I guess "humble pie"..is the most common pie EVER...much more honuary than any fish,chicken or stake and kidney pie..plus humble pie can be eaten without any teeth..but most certainly may not be easy to swallow at times..🤣🤣
Yes sometimes a persons mind cant be changed and you can wear yourself out verbally..so yes good to know when to speak ect..just like it says in proverbs (there being a time for everything).It's interesting that a person can belive they are right and will push and push their perception/perspective but in fact the view they are seeking yo persuade you of ..it actually wrong.The bible does say that all a mans ways seem right to him..👍
Yes I totally understand you about you and ur husbands situations when they arise...and when married you are living in the same home so an atmosphere can be created if things go just way too far.
Thanks for ur insightful response..I that it there must be a good amount of humble pies at home..(metaphorically speaking)...😊😊
 
Aug 16, 2020
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#10
Being on CC has made me realize how hard it is to debate, no matter how nice I am or how much the issue at hand worries me, the other side seems very headstrong and misunderstand what I say. I now believe healthy debates do not exist on CC. I believe a healthy debate needs some "peacefully agree to disagree", you don't have to have your mind changed, but at least hear them out. I think with learning, we can better teach the word of God to others, especially to those who need to hear it. I always say it, but I believe an amount of balance is important, everything can be seen to have pros and cons. I do believe there is no arguing against the bible if it says something is sin, but we as Christians are not higher and should not judge others, who are we to throw the first stone, when we have sinned in our life?

Overall, I will say my opinion, I don't care if I'm right, I just don't want people looking down on me for having certain opinions, I don't think it's healthy to look down on others. Trust me I know, I used to look down on Mexicans that chose to not learn English, it's a very toxic and unhealthy mind to have.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#11
Maybe this person who wants to always be right has a bet riding on it or something. I dont know. Are they a lawyer?

Personally I like pies. Potato top is the best.

as for bones. anyone here a butcher? Even the best butcher cant seperate the soul and spirit and divide between the joints and marrow like the holy spirit can.

I think it can personally really HURT if the Word is butchered, but the pain either grieves the Holy Spirit or makes us laugh. Ever been falsely accused or crucified, well, its not much fun going through it at the time!
 

Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
1,488
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113
#12
Being on CC has made me realize how hard it is to debate, no matter how nice I am or how much the issue at hand worries me, the other side seems very headstrong and misunderstand what I say. I now believe healthy debates do not exist on CC. I believe a healthy debate needs some "peacefully agree to disagree", you don't have to have your mind changed, but at least hear them out. I think with learning, we can better teach the word of God to others, especially to those who need to hear it. I always say it, but I believe an amount of balance is important, everything can be seen to have pros and cons. I do believe there is no arguing against the bible if it says something is sin, but we as Christians are not higher and should not judge others, who are we to throw the first stone, when we have sinned in our life?

Overall, I will say my opinion, I don't care if I'm right, I just don't want people looking down on me for having certain opinions, I don't think it's healthy to look down on others. Trust me I know, I used to look down on Mexicans that chose to not learn English, it's a very toxic and unhealthy mind to have.
Hello SarahUmbreon good to see you on one of my threads again..👍👍Yes I know that sometimes some debates here can be heated and it has most certainly been an eye opener and I am convinced that healthy debates can be done.After all...there was a time all of us were not Christian and we have only aquired spiritual knowledge over time ..yet the knowledge didnt generate within ourselves So there should be a healthy way of expressing this knowledge with humility and respect.
Peacefully disagreeing is an honourable way to interact...having passions for Gods word and expressing truth is a wonderful thing without causing an argumentative dynamic...yet it depends who ones chatting with...their comments can touch a spiritual nerve too.💪
Yes the "casting of the 1st stone" is a powerful account in the bible pointing out that they were right yet so very wrong.👎

I agree that we may not be right in every single thing all of the time..life is a journey of development with Gods help and we are all at so many different levels in our Christian life and yes its not nice to be looked down on...
But no need to ever worry I will never be looking down on you..
only if I was on the roof of your house and you were telling me "what he heck u doing up there"🤣🤣
Always appreciate your comments.😊
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
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#13
probably the mexicans are wondering why you never bothered to learn spanish or their dialect.
 
Aug 16, 2020
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#14
probably the mexicans are wondering why you never bothered to learn spanish or their dialect.
I live in Texas, in the United States, our main language is ENGLISH.

*sigh*, what I meant was that I used to call Mexicans "Ants" because they are everywhere and they kept pissing me off, but I was missing the bigger picture, that there are Mexicans that actually go through the effort to learn English and like how they live in the United States. Look, I don't get how someone can be okay not knowing English, we have many oppurities to lean English in the USA, especially in Texas. I saw a flyer a few months back, for English teaching classes at our local library, just saying.
 

Encouragement

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
1,488
1,298
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#15
Maybe this person who wants to always be right has a bet riding on it or something. I dont know. Are they a lawyer?

Personally I like pies. Potato top is the best.

as for bones. anyone here a butcher? Even the best butcher cant seperate the soul and spirit and divide between the joints and marrow like the holy spirit can.

I think it can personally really HURT if the Word is butchered, but the pain either grieves the Holy Spirit or makes us laugh. Ever been falsely accused or crucified, well, its not much fun going through it at the time!
Hi Lanolin well if they are betting on things there is a good chance they are gonna loose at some point either now or in the future.
I know that some people follow the teaching of what their preacher tells them..ie some don't belive in the Holy Spirit,Healings,Miracles and so on and would defend what they belive with an almost cast iron conviction.
Gods words word and its truths will no doubt be argued over,debated over ect till jesus comes unfortunately though.
Gosh I have been falsely accused about a week after joining hear and I has to ask the person where is the evidence??There wasnt any...I guess at times it's good too defend ourselves where appropriate..but I wouldn't started a big old argument going on for like 2 weeks..my hand would get knackered from all that typing..🤣🤣
cheers for your comments..lovely to read.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,807
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mywebsite.us
#16
In the sense of having a proper understanding of [the] truth - with humility - then, it is very important to 'be right'.

In the sense of [always] having the appearance of "being right" - out of pride - then, it is not important to 'be right'.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
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#17
I live in Texas, in the United States, our main language is ENGLISH.

*sigh*, what I meant was that I used to call Mexicans "Ants" because they are everywhere and they kept pissing me off, but I was missing the bigger picture, that there are Mexicans that actually go through the effort to learn English and like how they live in the United States. Look, I don't get how someone can be okay not knowing English, we have many oppurities to lean English in the USA, especially in Texas. I saw a flyer a few months back, for English teaching classes at our local library, just saying.
maybe they couldnt afford to go to classes or just felt too old to learn.
have you ever taught english? instead of being pissed, why dont YOU try and teach or volunteer your conservational skills?

obviously they are not that ok with not knowing the langauge, you got to try and put yourself in someone elses shoes sometimes miss.
have abit of empathy for other peoole life doesnt revolve around you all the time.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
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#18
Hi Lanolin well if they are betting on things there is a good chance they are gonna loose at some point either now or in the future.
I know that some people follow the teaching of what their preacher tells them..ie some don't belive in the Holy Spirit,Healings,Miracles and so on and would defend what they belive with an almost cast iron conviction.
Gods words word and its truths will no doubt be argued over,debated over ect till jesus comes unfortunately though.
Gosh I have been falsely accused about a week after joining hear and I has to ask the person where is the evidence??There wasnt any...I guess at times it's good too defend ourselves where appropriate..but I wouldn't started a big old argument going on for like 2 weeks..my hand would get knackered from all that typing..🤣🤣
cheers for your comments..lovely to read.
some people always want to win.
Ive read that this personality trait, or character flaw, doesnt bode well, because its something narcissists and sociopaths have. Its probably why someone would shoot 50 unarmed people dead cos he didint like the look of them and thought he was right and they were wrong.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,581
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#19
The question I ask is this.. just how important is it to prove to others that one is right?
It is important to put forward what you believe is the truth.. It should be a desire to see the other person accept the truth.. But prove it??? Nope.. We are under no obligation to prove anything to anyone.. The Moving of the Holy Spirit does that work.. We are simply given the role as messengers and we should be concerned with giving the correct message and giving it in a way that The Lord would approve of..

There are some people walking around who think it is their responsability to succed in getting others to believe the truth.. And these people are more likely to get into the more negative pushy argumentive tactics because for them They fear failure to convince others is tantamount to failing God.. So they are more likely to use any tactic with the idea that the ends justify the means..
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
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#20
i have a friend who helps refugees.
some people dont uderstand what a refugee goes through
they leave their country because of war or politics and seek asylum somewhere else where theyve never heard of and might not even speak the language. It takes GUTS to do this.

not every migrant is rich some go for better job opportunities or a new life or simply people are trying to kill them...as was the case with Jesus.