I initially started thinking about lawsuits among believers in light of one of those judicial shows like Judge Judy. Of course, I don’t know if the folks in those courtrooms are there for theatrics, a minute of fame or truly to resolve some conflict. That’s not the focus of this post. The episode my husband happened to be watching involved two friends and the one friend was suing the other over something that seemed quite trivial. What Pauls says in 1 Corinthians 6 comes to mind.
“If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?” (1 Corinthians 6:1 NIV)
Whether or not these folks were believers isn’t really the point. Seeing this just reminded me of how easily small squabbles can turn into deep unforgiveness if we let them linger. That’s one path that can lead those who call each other friend to end up on a television suing one another.
The Initial Path to Resolution Among Those Who Believe
In First Corinthians Paul encourages believers to handle their disputes among themselves. The principle behind his assertion is that as believers we will be judges of the world. As such, we should use Godly principles to manage disputes versus taking those conflicts to nonbelievers in the form of the judicial system.
The Power of Believers
“Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” (1 Corinthians 6:2 NIV)
“Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” (1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV)
By being judges, Paul is not saying to judge in the sense of condemning the behavior of another person or judging in the sense that you are calling out the faults of another believer. Paul is saying to use the power of judgement to manage conflicts or disputes that can become bigger than they need to be by dragging another believer into the legal system grounded in worldly principles and precepts.
Final Resolution
“Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?”
(1 Corinthians 6:4 NIV)
“I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?”
(1 Corinthians 6:5 NIV)
“But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.”
(1 Corinthians 6:6-8 NIV)
Practical Application in our Daily Lives
Of course, there will be times when situations have to end up being handled in the court system. As a believer, to think otherwise is not practical, but I do believe we are quick to sue like the friends in the show my husband was watching. Maybe this scripture becomes a point of reflection in the way we view lawsuits and even disputes in general.
God, give us the ability to pause and say, is there a better way to deal with this dispute than to take someone to court?
Let the words of the Lord be your measuring stick. Amen.
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