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

Saturday, March 16, 2024

A Year with Jesus - Holy Week

Spend some time with Jesus this week preparing for Resurrection Sunday.

Read More

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

— Proverbs 20:3 NLT

Key Thought

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]
The apostle Paul echoed Jesus' teaching:

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]
[1] Matthew 5:43-44, 46-48.
[2] Romans 12:17-18.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, I ask that the Holy Spirit recalibrate my heart to live in tune with the way of Jesus. I pray for help to know how to avoid a fight, prevent a war, and sidestep a foolish argument while still standing strong for You, and for Your goodness, godliness, and justice. I ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 12:1-2, 12-21
  • Matthew 5:3-12

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, March 16, 2024

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Yes, O Lord, with thee, but not to thee. All my natural alienation from thee, thy grace has effectually removed; and now, in fellowship with thyself,...."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Beloved, Caiaphas spoke treacherously about Me. At the same time, he also unwittingly spoke God's truth about My mission:Caiaphas, the High..."

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 20:3 NLT — Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.