#5: I Was Right…And I Was Still Wrong

This week, I didn’t show up as the husband I want to be.

Joy and I got into an argument. I felt hurt, misunderstood, and, more than anything, disrespected. In response, I became angry. I raised my voice and said things I shouldn’t have. Instead of bringing calm to the conversation, I poured gasoline on the fire.

For a while, I convinced myself that my reaction was justified because of how I felt. But once the emotions settled and I had time to reflect, I was forced to acknowledge something uncomfortable: disrespect wasn’t the only thing fueling my response. Pride was there, too.

Pride has a way of disguising itself. It tells us we’re defending what is right when we’re really defending our ego. It convinces us that winning the argument matters more than protecting the relationship. The truth is, I wasn’t fighting for understanding. I was fighting to be right, and there is a significant difference between the two.

Pride rarely improves a conversation. It raises voices, hardens hearts, and makes it difficult to hear the person sitting across from us. Humility does the opposite. It asks better questions, listens carefully, apologizes sincerely, and values the relationship more than the victory.

This week reminded me that character isn’t revealed only by how we behave when everything is going well. It is revealed in the moments when we feel hurt, frustrated, and completely justified. Those are often the moments that expose what is truly living in our hearts.

So, here is the question I’m carrying into this week: Where is pride quietly shaping the story of your relationships?

Maybe it’s with your spouse, your children, a coworker, or a friend. Whatever the relationship, don’t let your need to be right cost you the opportunity to make things right.

Keep the fire burning. 🔥