How Christians Grieve Wellಮಾದರಿ

Do You Always Have to Be Right?

Another one of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, believed the tragedies that befell Job happened because of his own sins. Listen to Eliphaz’s religious part: “Consider now. Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it” (Job 4:7-8 NIV).

Religious parts often cling to a dichotomous view of the world. They live by the assumption that if you are innocent, your life will be pain-free. But if not? You must have broken God’s law somewhere.

Scrutinize the entire forty-two chapters in the book bearing Job’s name and you will see how persistent religious parts can be. Despite Job’s vigorous self-defense, his three friends insisted it was impossible for him to live pure and still suffer losses. Their perseverance is one reason it is best to avoid a power struggle with religious parts.

How often do you insist on your point of view? Having to always be right can be a sign

of pride—but it can also indicate a religious part is at the helm, actively advocating for its belief.

So, if you find yourself embroiled in a heated discussion, get curious. What is driving your

forcefulness? If the point of contention has to do with doctrinal differences or some other

religious topic, your religious part could be the culprit.

Insisting on your belief—especially in the face of another’s pain—flies in the face of Paul’s words, “When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ” (1 Corinthians 8:11-13 MSG). Even though the apostle made his assertion in the context of whether or not to eat meat offered to idols, the principle still stands. We are to keep the unity of the Spirit in peace (Ephesians 2:3-4).

After you read today’s verses, ask yourself, what circumstances would make it hard to follow these Scriptures? Make a note of the people, issues, or conversations that can spoil your intention to abide by these verses.

Once you obtain the answer, ask the Lord to help you—and your religious part—to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), especially in the situations you identified above.