I read a story the other day where a guy sued everyone in his church. It didn’t list why he filed the lawsuit but can you imagine that happening? We have become so easily offended and quick to seek out justice when we’ve been wronged. The Bible tells us to act differently as Christians. We are to be quick to forgive and to pursue peace with each other.
1 Corinthians 6:1-8
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!
Wrong Avenue
The Corinthinthians Christians were suing each other. Paul is rebuking them for taking each other to court to have legal matters settled before ungodly judges. They should’ve gone before the church leadership. We don’t have to rely on the world to solve our problems, we can lean on God’s word and his leadership to do it. It was an embarrassment to the church and to Jesus Christ for how they were handling disputes.
Be Quick to Forgive
Beware of the pursuit of Justice. We become so vengeful when we are wronged. God is the judge and we need to trust his judgment and his timing. I should’ve been judged for my sin but thru his grace I was acquitted. Why do I hold out for God’s justice when I should be extending grace? As a Christian, I will be wronged, offended, betrayed, and hurt. Rejoice in that because it is proof you are a son of God.