There is an expression we have heard and no doubt used when either explaining how we’ve handled, or are giving advice on how to handle, conflict: “Take the high road”. Don’t stoop to the lowest common denominator; rise above the meanness, the nastiness, the viciousness. The Apostle Paul puts it this way; let me show you a “more excellent way”.
“Take the high road”, what does the high road look like? In the twelfth chapter of Romans, Paul provides an answer: Love, Zeal, Blessing, and Peace. As we begin this sermon series on the twelfth chapter of Romans, Paul says “Let love be genuine”. Contemporary Theologian and Roman Catholic priest, Richard Rohr writes, “St. Francis moved beyond the world that most of us inhabit. He rebuilt the spiritual life on “love alone” and let go of the lower-level needs of social esteem, security, self-image, and manufacturing of persona. . . . Love is both who you are and who you are still becoming.” (A Spring Within Us, page 364-365) St. Francis models and encourages “The higher road”.
“Take the high road”, it begins with love; as God’s beloved we are empowered to love one another as we have been loved. Romans 12: 9-12 provides the framework for higher road living; I look forward to our common journey, traveling on the “high road” to which we are called. See you in Church!
In Christ,
Pastor Doug