In reading today's verses in 1 Corinthians, what stands out to me, isn't just that we shouldn't take our disputes to ungodly courts, but how vital it is for us to resolve these disputes quickly. We shouldn't allow differences to grow to the point of needing a court or tribunal in the first place. But if this does happen, then as soon as we realize it, we should simply do the Christian thing and forgive. I am struggling with this right now. Someone close to me has hurt me deeply, and I've been very angry with this person. Friends and family all agree that I have every right to be hurt. Maybe I do. But I also think that now God is urging me to simply forgive. It's hard, but I'll work on it.
1
If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?
2
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?
3
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
4
Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!
5
I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?
6
But instead, one brother goes to law against another--and this in front of unbelievers!
7
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been
completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather
be cheated?
8
Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Chapter Contents
Cautions against going to law in heathen courts. (1-8) Sins which, if
lived and died in, shut out from the kingdom of God. (9-11) Our bodies,
which are the members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Ghost, must
not be defiled. (12-20)
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Christians should not contend with one another, for they are
brethren. This, if duly attended to, would prevent many law-suits, and
end many quarrels and disputes. In matters of great damage to ourselves
or families, we may use lawful means to right ourselves, but Christians
should be of a forgiving temper. Refer the matters in dispute, rather
than go to law about them. They are trifles, and may easily be settled,
if you first conquer your own spirits. Bear and forbear, and the men of
least skill among you may end your quarrels. It is a shame that little
quarrels should grow to such a head among Christians, that they cannot
be determined by the brethren. The peace of a man's own mind, and the
calm of his neighbourhood, are worth more than victory. Lawsuits could
not take place among brethren, unless there were faults among them."
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