In the biblical context, the concept of adjudication at law, particularly among believers, is often portrayed as something to be avoided. The Scriptures provide guidance on resolving disputes within the Christian community without resorting to secular courts, emphasizing the importance of unity, forgiveness, and the witness of the church.

Biblical Guidance on Disputes

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of legal disputes among believers in his first letter to the Corinthians. He expresses dismay that members of the church are taking their grievances before secular judges rather than resolving them within the Christian community. Paul writes, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1, BSB). This rhetorical question underscores the expectation that believers should seek resolution through the wisdom and guidance of fellow Christians rather than through secular legal systems.

Paul further elaborates on the matter by questioning the competence of the church to judge such matters: "Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!" (1 Corinthians 6:3, BSB). This statement highlights the spiritual authority and discernment that believers are expected to exercise, suggesting that they are fully capable of resolving disputes among themselves.

The Call to Avoid Lawsuits

The call to avoid lawsuits among believers is rooted in the desire to maintain the integrity and witness of the church. Paul admonishes the Corinthians, "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?" (1 Corinthians 6:7, BSB). Here, Paul emphasizes the spiritual defeat inherent in pursuing legal action against fellow believers, suggesting that it is better to suffer wrong than to damage the unity and testimony of the church.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The teachings of Jesus also underscore the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His followers on how to handle offenses: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over" (Matthew 18:15, BSB). This directive encourages personal reconciliation and the restoration of relationships, prioritizing forgiveness over legal retribution.

Furthermore, Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount reinforces the principle of avoiding legal disputes: "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way" (Matthew 5:25, BSB). This advice highlights the value of resolving conflicts swiftly and amicably, avoiding the escalation that often accompanies legal proceedings.

The Role of the Church

The early church functioned as a community where disputes could be resolved internally, guided by spiritual leaders and the principles of Scripture. The role of the church in adjudicating disputes is seen as a means of preserving unity and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. By handling conflicts within the body of Christ, believers bear witness to the reconciling work of Jesus and the love that should characterize His followers.

In summary, the biblical perspective on adjudication at law among believers is clear: it is to be avoided in favor of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the maintenance of Christian unity. The Scriptures call believers to resolve disputes within the community of faith, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God and the teachings of Christ.Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
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Proverbs 20:3
It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
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Proverbs 25:8-10
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest you know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbor has put you to shame.
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Matthew 5:25
Agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
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The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
... walk by sight, because it is the state of adjudication. ... The law of constant evolution,
and the characteristic of ... which in this life it dreaded and avoided. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the future state a self-conscious.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... matters which came up for adjudication before this ... upon the transgressor of the divine
law may, upon ... and therefore they have carefully avoided the discussion ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... rising to life again, not as miraculous or exceptional, but as a law of humanity ...
they who caused divisions and heresies were to be marked and avoided but not ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

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