Topical Encyclopedia The concept of suing, or taking legal action against another, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. These scriptures provide guidance on how believers should approach disputes and conflicts, particularly within the Christian community.1. Matthew 5:25-26: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus advises His followers to seek reconciliation quickly: "Reconcile quickly with your adversary while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." This passage emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes amicably and promptly to avoid legal entanglements. 2. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8: The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of lawsuits among believers in the Corinthian church: "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?" Paul criticizes the practice of Christians suing each other in secular courts, urging them instead to resolve disputes within the church community. He highlights the shame and defeat in taking fellow believers to court, suggesting that it is better to suffer wrong than to harm the witness of the church. 3. Proverbs 25:8-10: The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also provides counsel on legal disputes: "Do not go hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away." This passage advises caution and discretion in pursuing legal action, warning of the potential for public disgrace and damaged relationships. 4. Luke 12:58-59: Jesus again speaks to the importance of settling matters before they escalate to legal proceedings: "As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny." This echoes the teaching in Matthew, underscoring the value of reconciliation and the avoidance of legal disputes. 5. Romans 12:18: While not directly about lawsuits, this verse provides a principle applicable to conflicts: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." The call to live peaceably encourages believers to seek harmony and resolution rather than resorting to legal action. These scriptures collectively emphasize the importance of reconciliation, the preference for resolving disputes within the Christian community, and the pursuit of peace over litigation. They reflect a biblical perspective that prioritizes relationships and the testimony of the church over personal grievances and legal victories. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 5:40And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Nave's Topical Index Library From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Directions to Church-Wardens, &C. The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Resources What does the Bible say about lawsuits / suing? | GotQuestions.orgAre the teachings of Witness Lee and the Local Church biblical? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |