Winning the battle, but losing the War

Here I am, back after a lengthy absence (in my standard)....

I am just reminded of this phrase that I thought of (must have been inspired by some of the quotes i read), winning the battle, but losing the war...

In our daily lives, like it or not, we are bound to offend someone or get into some kinds of disagreements.... and a discussion aka arguments aka quarrel takes place...

For me, many times I go into a discussion, sometimes more heated than I wished, wanting to present a different perspective, wanting to explain some things better, wanting to change the way the other party sees it.... However, I usually talk in a fashion that suggests otherwise, that makes people think that all I want is to win the argument, be the best debater (sometimes the most long winded one)... In the end, the other party relent, (sometimes out of the hope that I will not torment them with my long winded story or explanation, sometimes just having nothing more to say to me).... NO! I didn't want that! I dont really know how to go on...

At the end of the day... I didnt achieve the objective of "convincing" the other party, I failed in converting their thoughts, presenting a fresh perspective... Despite winning the battle (argument), I lost the war (main objective)

To link it to reality, one time, I heard a friend saying this:"Christianity is like any other religion, it's all about doing good..." Deep down in me... I know it's not true... However, I didnt say anything to that....

To explain that with my limited knowledge... I want to say... Christianity, imho, is not "like any other religion".... It's a relationship with God... it's wanting to live for God (not that I am already... but i will not give up trying).. It's about wanting to do all things (since God is good, so only good things) in order to please Him.... It's hard to put that across to my pre believing friends, but it's true... (Skip this part if u want to be spared of my long winded self) Why do we want to live for God? It's simple... we are sinners and all have fallen short of the standard of God. So God sent his son to save us... that person is Jesus.... and Jesus is not only here to save us, He is here to be our friend. And it's different from other religion as we dont do good things to go to heaven. No matter how many good things u do, you cant! Unless you accept the fact that Christ is the only person who can save you and bring you to God and heaven.

So... to sum it up.... it's not true that Christianity is "like any other religion"... absolutely not.....

How shd I put it across next time when i face that statement again? God help me... but the problem is... I lack the faith that God can help me... it's the heart and head thing... head knows God helps... heart is weak and scare.... Help me win the battle and, more importantly, win the war....