The Set-Up
I have always been fascinated by true crime and criminal justice. This is probably because I was raised on Law and Order, CSI, and Judge Judy.
I remember one Judge Judy episode where the plaintiff was asking for compensation because her ex-roommate stole some vintage wine. Even as a kid, I thought that was the most ridiculous reason to go to court. Why couldn’t two people who were presumably friends – at least at one time – work out a way to resolve the issue?
I like to imagine that this was what type of dispute Paul was talking about in today’s reading. In Paul’s day, civil courts met in the middle of the marketplace. Greek culture found legal battles entertaining, so it didn’t take long for lawsuits to become public knowledge. If one Christian decided to sue another, everyone in the area would know about it. What type of example would that be to those who weren’t Christians?
We currently live in a “sue-happy” society, but God’s people are called to live differently than the rest of the culture. We’re also called to live at peace with one another, to the best of our ability (Romans 12:18). Not only does taking other Christians to court not look good for the church, but it’s also not very practical. Legal fees are expensive, and civil lawsuits between two individuals don’t typically result in good payouts. When looking at civil lawsuits from that perspective, it seems like it’s just another way to say, “I was right and you were wrong.” As Christians, that’s not the type of attitude we should have toward one another.
Passage to Read
Reflection Questions
Why do you think two Christians suing one another puts the church in a bad light? Why would Paul be concerned about that?
How would you solve a civil dispute with another Christian? How would you solve a civil dispute with someone who wasn’t a Christian? Do you think there is a difference in how you would respond?
In this passage, Paul is discussing civil law, not criminal law. Why do you think Paul makes this distinction?
Prayer Idea
Thank God for giving us wisdom and grace in handling issues with other people. Thank Him for His constant forgiveness, and ask Him to give you the same desire to forgive others. If you are currently trying to navigate a dispute with another person, ask God for the wisdom needed to handle the situation peacefully.