A few weeks ago, Randell Tiongson posted this, "What is more important, to be right or to be kind?" So I asked myself, What's the connection between being right and being kind?
When someone feels he is right, does that necessarily mean that the other person is in sin? No. Instead, this means he feels the other person is wrong, with regards to a particular issue or concern. But does the other person feel he is wrong? Most probably not. I realized that many conflicts occur when two parties strongly believe they are right while the other is wrong. Conflicts persist when both of them force their point of view on each other, at the same time insisting that the other is wrong. So, what is more important, to be right or to be kind?
I have often wondered what it means to be kind. What is kindness? Modern dictionaries define it as being friendly, considerate, and generous. But the Greek word used for kindness in 1 Corinthians 13:4 means mercy, to show kindness based on compassion.
When someone tells you, you are wrong because he is right, how would you feel and what would you do? Di ba, you fight back and show na mali siya and tama ka? So when will the conflict end? Supposing may nanalo sa inyo, di ba may natalo din? Though masaya 'yung nanalo, how will the loser feel? He will still be angry and even bitter. There is a quote that says, "A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still!" So eventually, walang nanalo!
I am learning that kindness means to show mercy or compassion towards the person who may be wrong. It means we should protect him from himself. We should not forcibly show him we are right, and he is wrong. Instead, we should gently help him realize this. But what if he insists on his ways? When he acts on what you think is wrong, you should allow him to experience the consequences of his decision to let him realize for himself that he is wrong. Huwag mo na siyang sumbatan kasi nasaktan na niya ang sarili niya. When he comes to his senses and asks you for help, show mercy or kindness based on compassion. Do you know that this was what the father of the prodigal son did? And this is the way God treats us?
The Bible says God is loving and kind. What does this mean? I want to explain this subject more in the next post if you do not mind. I was burdened by the post of Randell because I realized I am not a kind person. Often, it is more important for me that I am right.
