Give Up the Right to be Right

By Andrea Merrell

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NLT

 

It became a stand-off. A battle of wills. Both parties were determined to be right, neither willing to budge a single inch.

Why is it so important for us to win every argument? To come out on top? To prove that we’re right and the other person is wrong?

Early in my marriage, there were many of these stand-offs. Now that I look back on them, I wonder at what expense. If things had not changed, it could have cost us our relationship.

The Bible tells us to submit to one another. The Message says to be courteously reverent to one another. The Passion translation puts it this way: Be supportive of each other in love. Why are we to follow these instructions? Out of reverence for Christ.

Pride can lead us to do and say some very foolish things. Being stubborn and hardheaded might help us win the battle, but we just might lose the war. Relationships are always more important than being the winner—especially our relationship with the Lord. And He’s always right.

If you find yourself constantly butting heads with others, maybe it’s time to give up the right to be right.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Sira Anamwong.)