A self-righteous person - Do you agree with this definition?

[Pastor Matt]

A self-righteous person is someone who strongly believes in their own moral superiority and constantly seeks to assert it over others. They tend to exhibit certain characteristics, including:

• Moral superiority: Self-righteous individuals consider themselves to be morally superior to others. They often judge and criticize people who do not meet their standards or beliefs.
• Judgmental attitude: They have a tendency to be highly judgmental, constantly scrutinizing the actions, choices, and beliefs of others. They often see themselves as the ultimate arbiters of what is right and wrong.
• Lack of empathy: Self-righteous people may struggle to empathize with others because they are so focused on their own righteousness. They may dismiss or invalidate the experiences and feelings of others if they do not align with their own worldview.
• Inflexibility: They are often rigid in their thinking and resistant to considering alternative viewpoints. They may have a black-and-white perspective, believing that their way is the only correct way and dismissing any differing opinions or perspectives.
• Hypocrisy: Despite their claims of moral superiority, self-righteous individuals may exhibit hypocritical behavior. They may hold others to high standards while excusing or justifying their own questionable actions or choices.
• Need for validation: Self-righteous people often seek validation and praise for their moral stance. They may feel the need to constantly assert their righteousness and seek recognition for it.
• Self-justification: When challenged or confronted, self-righteous individuals may become defensive and unwilling to consider criticism. They may engage in self-justification, finding ways to rationalize and defend their beliefs and actions.
• Intolerance: They can be highly intolerant of differing opinions, beliefs, or lifestyles. They may dismiss or condemn those who do not conform to their standards, often viewing them as morally inferior.
• Moral grandstanding: Self-righteous individuals may engage in moral grandstanding, using their moral stance as a way to gain social status, appear virtuous, or signal their superiority to others.
• Difficulty in forming genuine connections: Their self-righteous attitude can create barriers to forming genuine connections with others. People may find it challenging to engage in open and meaningful conversations with them due to their judgmental and rigid demeanor.

It's important to note that not all individuals who hold strong moral convictions exhibit self-righteousness. The key distinction lies in the attitude and behavior of the person, particularly their judgmental and condescending approach towards others.

[BrotherTony]

Good definitions. May we all try to be open, honest, loving and forgiving towards others knowing that Christ has forgiven each of us and loved us unconditionally and made us joint heirs with himself. 

Blessings and love to all my Brothers and Sisters here on OB. 

BT

[Joe Chandler]

Sad to admit that I have seen some of these characteristics in myself. Usually, a strong vision of the Lord corrects me.

Isaiah 6:3-5   And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.  4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.  5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

[HappyChristian]

Interesting post. I agree with the definition. In fact, these thoughts were swirling in my brain the last couple days!

[SureWord]

Self imposed guilt too. The modern day phenomenon of "white guilt" is just self-righteousness and moral grandstanding, i.e. "virtue signaling".