There is no reason for pride when we refuse to back down or withdraw from a quarrel. It is often our pride or anger that causes us to steadfastly argue our cause and to refuse to concede to our opponent. We may view this as a matter of principle. We may loathe the thought of the other person appearing to win the fight. We may feel righteously indignant and compelled to continue arguing our position.
But the fact is that arguments rarely bring about the righteousness of God. They certainly do not bring glory to God’s name. Rarely do they make people think more highly of Jesus. And, contrary to how we may feel, staying in an argument does not take as much courage and inner strength as walking away and refusing to continue the fight.
It often takes far more courage, and infinitely more humility to stop a quarrel than to begin or prolong one. Doing so also reflects the fact that you value people more than winning an argument. That peace between others is a priority over personal vindication. How sad that we often choose to live in the midst of animosity and anger when at any time we could decide to live in peace.