What qualities should a wise person possess to judge disputes among believers? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 6:5 points out that believers ought to have at least one member “wise enough to arbitrate” disputes. The apostle assumes such wisdom is attainable inside the church. Scripture supplies a clear portrait of the qualities that make a person fit for that role. Core Verse “I say this to your shame. Is there not one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?” (1 Corinthians 6:5) Key Qualities of a Wise Arbiter • Deep knowledge of God’s Word • Spiritual maturity and discernment • Impartiality and integrity • Love expressed through gentleness • Peace-seeking and mercy-filled attitude • Spirit-led character and reputation Tracing These Qualities Through Scripture 1. Grounded in Scripture • 2 Timothy 2:15 — diligent workmanship in the Word • Psalm 1:2-3 — delighting in the Law produces stability 2. Spiritually Mature and Discerning • Hebrews 5:14 — trained senses to distinguish good from evil • Philippians 1:9-10 — abounding love leads to true discernment 3. Impartial and Honest • Deuteronomy 1:16-17 — judgments made without partiality • Proverbs 11:3 — integrity guides the upright 4. Marked by Love and Gentleness • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — love’s patient, kind, enduring nature • Galatians 6:1 — restoring with a spirit of gentleness 5. Peace-Oriented and Merciful • James 3:17 — wisdom from above is peace-loving, full of mercy • Matthew 5:9 — peacemakers called sons of God 6. Evidencing the Spirit’s Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control • Acts 6:3 — full of the Spirit and wisdom, proven by reputation Practical Steps Toward Developing These Traits • Saturate the mind daily with Scripture; let truth shape every judgment. • Cultivate prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, inviting His fruit to govern reactions. • Practice listening more than speaking, allowing facts and motives to surface. • Maintain relationships marked by transparency and accountability, safeguarding impartiality. • Prioritize reconciliation over winning an argument, mirroring Christ’s own peacemaking work. Closing Thoughts The church already possesses everything needed for wise, in-house judgment because the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, and Scripture thoroughly equips for every good work. Pursuing these God-given qualities transforms ordinary members into trustworthy arbiters who honor the Lord and build up His people. |
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