Why is it better to be wronged than to sue fellow Christians? The Passage in Focus “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you!” —1 Corinthians 6:7 Why Paul Says “Why Not Rather Be Wronged?” • Lawsuits among believers advertise spiritual defeat before a watching world. • Public disputes drag the name of Christ into secular courts instead of elevating Him. • Accepting loss echoes the Savior who “did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23). Five Scriptural Reasons It’s Better to Absorb the Wrong 1. Christlike Imitation • Matthew 5:39–40 — Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek and relinquish even our cloak. • 1 Peter 2:21 — “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 2. Protection of Church Unity • Ephesians 4:3 — “Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • Lawsuits fracture fellowship, breed factions, and contradict the oneness Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). 3. Witness to the World • John 13:35 — “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” • Believers who choose forgiveness over litigation showcase a supernatural love that defies cultural norms. 4. Trust in God’s Justice • Romans 12:19 — “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath.” • Proverbs 20:22 — “Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the LORD, and He will save you.” 5. Eternal Perspective • 2 Corinthians 4:17 — “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” • Material loss now cannot compare with the treasure laid up in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Practical Ways to Live This Out • Settle disputes through mature believers or church leadership (1 Corinthians 6:5). • Seek reconciliation quickly—before bitterness takes root (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Remember the cross: massive debt forgiven empowers us to forgive lesser debts. • Pray for the offender’s blessing (Luke 6:28); it softens hearts—yours first, often theirs next. The Bottom Line Choosing to be wronged rather than suing a fellow believer isn’t weakness; it’s powerful obedience. It guards unity, magnifies Christ, and trusts God to make all things right—now or in eternity. |
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