“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? 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, appoint as judges even men of little account 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 goes to law against another -- and this in front of unbelievers! 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? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.” (1 Corinthians 6:2-8)
Paul’s message to the Corinthians made me think again about how important the church is meant to be in our lives. It is to the church that we should turn to find help in times of trouble. It’s to the church that we should go when we are discouraged and hurt and find comfort and encouragement there. It’s among the church family that we should share our joys and find people rejoicing with us and share our sorrows and find people grieving with us. And in this passage, it is to the church that we should bring disputes and find wise counsel for settling them.
There are very few Christians who follow Paul’s advice about disputes. Ours is a litigious society and even Christians are quick to take disputes into the courts. The problem with the courts is that they deal only with the dispute and not with the relationships that surround it. But the relationships are more important than the matter being disputed. The dispute is a temporary matter that affects only the things of this world. Relationships are eternal, people matter beyond this world.
If you find yourself in a dispute with someone else, think about the value of your relationship with that person and handle the dispute accordingly. Even if you have to let go of your rights, it may be the right thing to do. Try looking to the church to help bring peace between you and the one with whom you disagree. You may be surprised at the wisdom you find there.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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