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Earlier this week, news broke of a lawsuit between two Christian parties.
A few more headlines come to mind, each involving devout Christians and lawsuits. All
were—are—valid cases. Each deserves justice. Each voice needs to be heard. But is a lawsuit the answer?
1 Corinthians 6:1-6 says,
“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? 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? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 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? I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!”
It’s pretty cut and dry: Church matters should be settled within the church walls. Like the apostle says: how can one expect a court, which holds a secular worldview, to judge the actions of a believer when believers are called to separate themselves from the world? (Romans 12:2)
The verses in Corinthians deal specifically with Christians suing Christians—discord among believers.
But do the “rules” apply outside of the church?
As GotQuestions.org points out:
“For Christians not to forgive each other and reconcile their own differences is to demonstrate spiritual defeat … However, there are some instances when a lawsuit might be the proper course of action. If the biblical pattern for reconciliation has been followed (Matthew 18:15-17) and the offending party is still in the wrong, in some instances a lawsuit might be justified.”[1]
And what are those “biblical patterns”? As Matthew 18:15–17 describes, the believer must first privately attempt to reconcile with the person who wronged them. If that doesn’t work, they are to take one or two others with them to confront the individual. And if that doesn’t bring about reconciliation, tell the church. The church is then responsible for trying to resolve it. If they can’t, the offender should be treated as one outside the church.
Once again, the rules seem to apply to conflicts within the church. If the first several attempts outlined above don’t bring results, is it then appropriate for one Christian to sue another? What if the offense in question has to do with medical malpractice? Murder? Or other criminal matters?
Romans 13:1–2 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (emphasis mine)
The bottom line is that Christ-followers must do everything possible to avoid involving the court. Resolving conflict, bestowing forgiveness–it’s all part of being a disciple of Jesus.
After all, if believers are following the same God and both parties are leaning hard into God’s Word, then a civilized resolution shouldn’t be a far-fetched ideal. Right? As Paul said, feuding Christians shouldn’t take up their problems before a non-religious court, but should resolve them internally. How can a Christian settle a matter with a non-Christian when their moral compasses are pointing in different directions?
Regardless of the situation—whether criminal or civil—seek wisdom. (James 1:5)
What do you think: To sue or not to sue? When is it okay—or is it ever?
[1] “What Does the Bible Say about Lawsuits / Suing?” GotQuestions.org. GotQuestions.org, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.
Nice article. I agree that Christians are to settle out of court, per scripture’s clear instruction. What a terrible testimony to the world when we battle one another over passing things. And the Bible says if we can’t judge righteously in this age, our governing will be limited in the one to come, when we reign with Christ.
It’s better to suffer substantial loss than go to court against a brother.
I agree–especially when it comes to disputes between Christians. I’m curious what others think, particularly in regard to matters outside the church or for heavier issues, like murder. For instance, what about medical malpractice where someone may need funds for additional surgeries as a result of someone’s negligence? Or arson? Things of that sort.I think the call in James 1:5 (to seek wisdom) is the best answer because there are times when offenders need to be held accountable to the law. After all, you can forgive the offender–but that doesn’t mean the person shouldn’t be held accountable and responsible for their actions. Sometimes there has to be a consequence or the law has to step in to prevent harm from happening to another.