Therefore, to have legal disputes against one another is already a moral failure for you. Why not rather put up with injustice? Why not rather be cheated? - 1 Corinthians 6:7
On the face of it, the instruction from the Apostle Paul that is provided above offends our American sensibilities. We hate injustice, right? Being cheated by another is an affront and certainly worthy of retribution, so why would Paul suggest we take such actions "on the chin?"
Context.
God is not honored when the local church allows disputes between members to boil over into the public courts. The implication is that the church lacks the wisdom (from God) to settle things in a way that is redemptive for all concerned. Such actions also imply that the courts, which derive their authority from God, are better equipped to settle such matters than the Body of Christ who is supposed to speak God's truth to the world. This is at best, confusing and at worst, damning.
I understand that the first century was different and that sometimes one needs a legally binding agreement to protect the interests of both parties, but honestly, if you have surrendered your rights to the Lord, what exactly are you protecting? God's honor, God's good, God's name, God's reputation, and God's interests are all much more valuable than ours will ever be. We must learn that it is okay to lose as long as He wins.
If you take care of yourself and walk with integrity, you may be confident that God will deal with those who sin against you. Above all, don't give birth to sin yourself; rather, pray for those who persecute you. God will one day turn your persecution into praise. - Warren Wiersbe
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