– Winning the argument isn’t the same as winning their heart.
There’s a fine line between being right and being righteous. One is about facts. The other is about love.
We’ve all had moments when we were certain of the truth—we had the evidence, the clarity, maybe even the Scripture to back it up. But somewhere between the heat of the moment and the urge to be heard, we forgot to be gentle. We forgot to be kind.
You can win the debate and still lose someone’s trust. You can quote the Bible and still miss the heart of God. You can speak facts and still fail to speak *life*.
Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, CSB)
He didn’t say they’ll know us by how loud we speak or how well we defend a point—but by how well we love. That means tone matters. Posture matters. Kindness always matters.
Even correction is supposed to come with care. Paul told Timothy, “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient…” (2 Timothy 2:24, CSB)
Sometimes our need to be “right” is really a need to be *seen*. To be validated. But it’s possible to speak the truth without the sword. It’s possible to share the facts and still honor someone’s feelings. That takes spiritual maturity and emotional awareness.
We’re called to win hearts, not just arguments.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
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