Arguing ones point

So, what exactly is the point of arguing?

I've heard a lot of it lately, been a part of it a lot as well. I'm sitting at work and on a daily basis it seems there is plenty of it to go around. So I thought, what's the point of all of this in the end? Does anyone really genuinely change their mind? Do we really get anywhere doing it?
What are we trying to accomplish with such things really?

Here's a list of ideas I have of why someone may argue (from my perspective)

1) To prove a point
2) To convince someone otherwise
3) To disagree
4) To pridefully not agree with someone
5) To not admit ones wrong actions, thoughts or words
6) To argue for arguments sake

1) Proving a point a lot of times is seemingly pointless. Unless done in a constructive, heartfelt manner this is a hard thing to do. This is especially detrimental in relationships. One must ask, is this point worth proving? Is it beneficial? What are my true motives for doing so?

2) Convincing someone other than what they already believe is very difficult. Especially in today's society, where everyone believes they are "entitled" to their own beliefs, thoughts, rights etc. I've found even with proof, conviction, examples this is not always possible.

3) Disagreement, a lot of times ends up with "agreeing to disagree". But does that really accomplish anything? Why bother embarking down the road if it leads to where you first started? Sure, people get to air out their differences of opinion, thoughts, beliefs etc which in the end seems to be all that happens a lot of times.

4) Pridefully not agreeing with someone. What I'm thinking of in reference to this is when someone knows they are wrong, but refuse to admit it because of pride. In this instance, a lot of "justifications" will be provided to try to prove ones "point". A guy may for instance not "pridefully agree" with his wife because she was right after all.

5) This one kind of ties in with my thoughts listed above, but without the pride involved. That is a difficult thing to do because Pride plays such a prominent role in so many arguments. But for this instance of arguing, not admitting ones wrong actions, thoughts or words could be more so internal than external. It may all boil down to pride in the end and have a lot of "justification" intertwined as well. Maybe this one is a more genuine aspect of simply believing what you know to be the truth and someone else believing the same and not being able to compromise either way.

6) Arguing for arguments sake. There are a lot of these out there. People like to argue just to argue. Maybe they know what they are talking about, but surprisingly I think most people don't when they simply argue for arguments sake. A lot of people do this I'm sure not realizing what they are doing. Someone may say - the sky is blue, and someone else may say - no it's not blue it's overcast. But does it truly matter if it's not exactly what they said?

Arguments in different aspects all tend to have a lot of similarities -
A belief one way or another held by one of the parties involved
A right/wrong aspect - You are either right or you are wrong
Pride (a lot of times)
Justification (reason for your belief)
Hopefully a conclusion (maybe even reached by compromise)

In the end, we are all different people with different upbringings, backgrounds, beliefs, morals, etc.

Not everyone sees eye to eye, not everyone cares to see eye to eye.

This is what I'm thinking of for myself when it comes to arguing.
The main point of arguing is to present another aspect or view on a subject.
I accept that the person may or may not change their mind based on this argument.
It is to be done in a non-confrontational/judgemental manner.
My hope is that the other person has some food for thought to take away from the conversation that may over time or eventually influence their way of thinking, either in general or about the subject in particular.

I don't care to really change people's minds as they are generally old enough to think for themselves, but I do care to get others thinking about the subject that is at hand.
God is almighty and all powerful, He is the only one who can truly change a person's heart.
I hope to leave them with "well, maybe there is something there" after arguing about something.
And hopefully for them to come to their own conclusions.
After all, people who are told or forced to do something generally do it in angst, not genuinely or begrudgingly. But, if someone can do it on their own accord, thinking that they came to the realization on their own, I believe they would be more inclined to genuinely change.

The truth is funny like that, no matter whether someone agrees to it or not, it does force you to think. The truth of Jesus permeates through to the marrow of the bones as the Bible clearly states in Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

I'm not confident other general truths have such an effect as the Bible does not state this, but I think it does something. Whether it is to anger someone, offend them or what not, I believe Truth in general has an affect on people whether they choose to believe it or deny it for themselves.

Consider this when faced with your next argument -

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.