Settling Disputes
As we live in a world that is not of heaven, and that is filled with both good and bad, we are bound to have conflict. Good and bad will always be in conflict with each other. Bad and bad will always end in conflict as well. In this world where there is much conflict, we often end in dispute. Sometimes the disputes escalate to the point where we end up in court. What does the Bible say about this?
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Scripture:
“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?” – 1 Corinthians 6:1
Observation/Application:
What does the Bible say about taking our disputes to court? Paul makes it very clear in 1 Corinthians that we are to do our best to settle the matter among fellow believers. Other Christians, and especially elders in the church have the best chance of resolving the matter in a way that is consistent with God’s Word. Not only does today’s chosen scripture refer to this concept, there are other solid references in scripture for resolving conflict.
In the book of Matthew we read, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” – (Matthew 18:15-17).
So while the Bible makes it clear that taking things to court is not the ideal path. And I would guess that God is probably not the most pleased with our litigious society. I would expect that God is probably not happy with the fact that we frequently turn to judges, counselors, doctors, and lots of other “specialists” for help before first turning to Him.
God’s Word is above everything. God’s ways are above our ways. Human understanding will always fall short of God’s wisdom. God has the ultimate power and authority, wisdom and strength. Why would be not turn to him first? I think that would be a good idea, really, kind of a common sense idea. But don’t take my word for it, take God’s Word for it. I encourage you to seek additional scripture references if this topic is of further interest to you.
May your day be blessed!
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this great day. Thank you for filling me with courage and strength, and for helping to carry me through everything that I had to face today Lord. Purify us and will us with your goodness. Create a clean heart in me Lord. Let your Holy Spirit flow in and through us. Lift us up and strengthen us continually. Deliver us from evil, and keep us from temptation. Guide us Lord, in everything that we think, say, or do. We praise you name, today and forever. Amen.
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