Topical Bible: Litigation: To be Avoided

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Litigation, the process of taking legal action, is a topic addressed in the Bible with guidance that often leans towards avoidance, emphasizing reconciliation and peace over legal disputes. The Scriptures provide wisdom on how believers should handle conflicts, encouraging resolution within the community of faith rather than resorting to secular courts.

Biblical Guidance on Litigation

1. Encouragement for Reconciliation: The Bible consistently encourages believers to seek reconciliation and peace. In Matthew 5:25, Jesus advises, "Reconcile quickly with your adversary while you are still on the way to court." This passage underscores the importance of resolving disputes amicably and swiftly, avoiding the escalation that comes with legal proceedings.

2. The Role of the Church: The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of litigation among believers in 1 Corinthians 6:1-7. He expresses dismay that Christians would take their disputes before secular judges rather than resolving them within the church. 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). This passage highlights the expectation that the church community should be capable of mediating and resolving conflicts among its members.

3. The Call to Suffer Wrong: In the same passage, Paul further challenges believers by suggesting that it is better to suffer wrong than to engage in lawsuits against fellow Christians. "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:7). This radical call to endure injustice rather than pursue litigation reflects the Christian ideal of self-sacrifice and forgiveness.

4. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself provides the ultimate example of avoiding litigation. When falsely accused and unjustly tried, He did not seek legal recourse or defend Himself aggressively. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, demonstrating humility and submission to divine justice (1 Peter 2:23).

5. The Wisdom of Proverbs: The Book of Proverbs offers practical wisdom regarding disputes and the avoidance of litigation. Proverbs 17:14 states, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb advises against initiating conflicts that could lead to legal battles, advocating for the de-escalation of tensions.

6. The Pursuit of Peace: Romans 12:18 encourages believers, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation aligns with the broader biblical theme of peace and reconciliation, urging Christians to prioritize harmonious relationships over contentious legal actions.

Practical Implications for Believers

The biblical counsel to avoid litigation is rooted in the values of peace, reconciliation, and community. Believers are encouraged to resolve disputes internally, relying on the wisdom and guidance of the church. This approach not only fosters unity but also serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel in handling conflicts. By prioritizing reconciliation and demonstrating a willingness to suffer wrong, Christians reflect the character of Christ and uphold the integrity of the faith community.

Nave's Topical Index

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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Luke 12:58
When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, as you are in the way, give diligence that you may be delivered from him; lest he hale you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer cast you into prison.
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1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
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Library

Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction.
... they be separate from them also in the matter of litigation; "for the ... and all
unrighteous and injurious emulations, because contention is to be avoided by all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ii of the right of.htm

Book I.
... that to him who would go to law with us, and by strife and litigation take away ... or,
if we cannot avoid it, that is not reckoned as sin which cannot be avoided. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Holy Scriptures, may by your pacific and devoted piety be reunited to our mother,
the Church, all superfluous questions and disputings being avoided; that so ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm