Good Morning Friends,
“The saints will judge the world? If you are to
judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 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? Instead, one brother goes to law
against another -- 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 makes me think about how
important the church is meant to be in our lives. We should turn to the church
to find help in trouble. We should go to the church when we are discouraged and
hurt and find comfort there. We should share our joys among the church family and
find people rejoicing with us and sharing our sorrows. It is to the church that
we should bring disputes and find wise counsel for settling them.
There are 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 courts deal only with the dispute
and not with the relationships that surround it. 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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