So Sue Me!

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
(1 Corinthians 6:1 – ESV)

Paul clearly says in this verse that it's wrong for a Christian to be looking to sue another Christian in the secular courts. Now before you get all worked up and start giving me exceptions, realize that I’ll cover those within this series of posts, and stay with me. Paul isn’t talking about never going to trial, or just letting everything go, he is talking about a mindset, an attitude. He is speaking of acting in accordance with gospel truths, which he will go on to explain.

First, notice the word “dare”. That word implies that such an action is an affront to God and to the body of Christ as well. Christians ought to be able to manage their own conflicts without going into secular courts. He doesn’t say don’t dare to go to law at all. Notice that Paul says “instead of the saints”. As Christians we will have disputes, we will have to sort out the legalities, but we have a right way and a wrong way to settle conflicts, and as the family of God we settle family business in house. I would refer you to Philippians 4:2-9 for a biblical model of dealing with disputes in the church between members. Of course if one person is a Christian and the non-Christian takes you to court, well, that is another matter, you might have no choice.

Paul is not saying that Christians have no recourse. The point here is that when we are dealing with two professing Christians, instead of going to the secular court system, we need to entrust our case with the church. Family matters should be dealt with “in house”. Now that doesn’t mean that the two parties have to hash it out alone, or that one is automatically let off the hook if they cannot come to an agreement. No, it doesn’t mean you just have to let it go, it means instead of going to secular court, you have another place to go, before the church. You try and work it out together, and then if you need help you go to the church for mediation.

If a professing Christian tries to claim these verses as justification of why you cannot have any recourse against them, and then they won’t submit to the church and its diligent judgment and due process, then that person is only trying to use the bible as a means to avoid responsibility. If I were that person’s pastor, I would doubt the validity of the person’s faith, and I would most certainly take disciplinary action against them.

Now if the dispute happens and these involved parties in fact DO belong as vital members of church, but two distinct churches, or denominations, well, then, it may mean that the elders of both churches should meet, and anyway, you see how messy it can get. Paul I’m sure knew this, but he was speaking out against the propensity of the Corinthians to rush into these matters without giving consideration to their brothers and sisters in Christ. To look to the secular way before even considering the church way is to dare to deny the means God gives us as Christians.

It depends on the individual case. The principles are the same, but the situations are not. Of course, like other matters of living the gospel, those looking for a way out will abuse this. God knows our hearts, and He knows our willingness to do the right thing or not. Many will just try and do what they think they need to in order to get around God’s will or subject themselves to the controlling influence God, His Word, and His people over their lives in any form, fashion, or degree. They would trust unregenerate people and secular means to settle their claims (not that all in the judicial system are; some lawyers are actually saved! We ought to have as many Christian lawyers, judges, and legal personnel as we can, they are the ones who have a greater wisdom), as if they believe that the secular world would be impartial, when actually, the enemy of our souls is involved more directly when he might have a chance to besmirch the Christian witness. Satan loves to see Christians sue one another!

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©