June 29th
The Losses of Lawsuits
If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? ...Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 1 Corinthians 6:4,7
I get this question probably every day. Can I sue him? Can a Christian sue another Christian?
Um, did you read the verses today? The obvious answer from scripture is no. I mean, you couldn't have a clearer answer. No!
Here's the deal, both sides lose before a verdict is ever read when you sue your brother or sister in Christ. Did you hear what Paul said? It is already an utter failure for you. How would you like to stand before God on that one someday-an utter failure!
Well how about this one, pastor-can a Christian company sue another Christian company?
Give me a break. As if what applies to the one doesn't apply to the one hundred? The Christian company has a witness to uphold the same way an individual does.
Alright, well, can a Christian sue a non-Christian? Because I've got a claim, man, and I know I could win. I'll even tithe off the winnings.
You know, the Bible doesn't say. But I'll tell you what it does say. The Bible says, if you're only going to do good to those who love you, then what's the point? Even unbelievers do that. We're set apart, proving that we are of Christ Jesus, when we love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us.
Even if you're legally right and you would win your case in the end, so what? It's no win in the end. The greater honor is for you to witness by offering the forgiveness and fellowship of Christ. Get this-we're actually called not only to forgiveness and love, but to kindness. If it were me, I'd show love to all, especially to the ones who are hardest to love, whether they're a believer or not.
The only time I see biblical justification for a lawsuit is defending yourself if someone sues you, and then you'd better get yourself some good counsel. But let me say this, your interests in that court are first about protecting and demonstrating your witness for Christ, then about making sure you receive justice.
The heart of God loves even at the cost of self. Let's do the same.
Prayer Lord Jesus,
When I did You wrong, You didn't sue me; You died for me. How can I not do the same thing? But sometimes it's hard because I've been hurt, sometimes I've lost a lot. I trust You to give me justice, to heal my hurts, and to provide all my needs as I forgive those who've done me wrong.
Amen