Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 1 Corinthians 6:1
Two Christians had a disagreement over a piece of land that lay between their two homes. Each claimed the land for his own, and neither could see the merit in the other’s claim. They argued over the land, and bad feelings resulted. One man hired a lawyer to look into the case, and the lawyer recommended taking the matter to court. The other man hired a lawyer to defend his position, and the case went before a judge, who eventually made a decision. Before it was over, the case cost both Christians many hundreds of dollars. And the man who lost the case continued to hold hard feelings against his neighbour for many years. In addition, the people in the community made jokes about the Christians who were unable to get along with each other. Such a bad testimony should teach us that Christians should deal with disputes in a better way than the world does.
There are several reasons why Christians should avoid having their disputes resolved in the world’s courts. Not the least is the need avoid giving the world a reason to mock us and the Gospel that we seek to set before them. People who have no respect for us will hardly have any respect for any message that we might have. We will be unable to witness to sinners if we are fighting among ourselves. Another reason to avoid taking our disputes before the world is the reality that no dispute among Christians should ever reach such a point. As saints, we are to display the love of Christ to each other. And that love should enable us to see our way through problems to a reasonable and acceptable solution. We should be able to see the other person’s position as well as our own, and we should have a care for the other person. Such an attitude of love will resolve most of the issues that come up, and keep everyone in sweet fellowship. But there are resources among the Lord’s people for settling disputes when it becomes difficult for two Christians to find a solution.
Our text speaks about taking a matter before the saints. The first place that any such dispute should go is to the overseers of the Assembly. Even if they lack the practical knowledge that relates to the issue, the elders will have the wisdom to offer guidance and direction, and in many cases will provide the help needed to resolve the issue and smooth the feathers. Because of their care for the flock, these men will deal lovingly and carefully with both sides in the matter. They can be trusted to help in an unbiased manner. And if they find themselves unable to address a matter, they can, and will, help find experts among the Lord’s people who will be able to bring about a resolution.
If we resolve all of the issues among ourselves as our Lord desires, we will maintain the love and harmony we should, and will give the world no reason to mock us and our Lord. -Jim MacIntosh