Together in Christ: 'The High Road of Avoidance' — Proverbs 20:3

A wise mentor once told me, "Take the high road in this mess!" He meant, "Phil, you can try to win this battle and start a war that will ensure you both are less than what God wants. In the process, you end up ruining your hearts and each other's character!"

The Holy Spirit reminds us in this proverb that the victor in a fight is not the one who wins the fight but the one who prevents it. The grind of daily life wears us down, the control of our emotions wears thin, our hearts grow weary, and the devil baits us into an ugly argument that never should have happened. In the process, the evil one gets what he wants — friendships broken, hearts wounded, and reputations ruined, and nothing good is accomplished. As Jesus taught,

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ... If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." ^[1]

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. ^[2]