|
 In
dealing with the problem of lawsuits between Christians Paul
introduces two alternatives to seeking litigation in pagan
courts. First, if disputes between brethren deteriorate to the
point of requiring arbitration, let them be judged by saints (1
Cor. 6:1-5). After shaming the Corinthians for not having done
this, Paul confronts them with an incriminating question:
"What, cannot there be found among you one wise man who
shall be able to decide between his brethren .... ?" (vs.
5). Not that this wise brother was well versed in civil law, but
that he knew and reverenced a higher law, the divine law by
which he continually renders judgments concerning all matters of
life. Judges render verdicts in keeping with law. Why would
those who have committed themselves to the observance of a
better law willingly submit to judgments based on an inferior
law? Doing so surely reveals defect (vs. 7).
The
second alternative and the one with which we are primarily
concerned here is considered by many to be the court of last
resort — that is, if considered at all. Paul states it like
this: "Why not take wrong? Why not rather be
defrauded?" (vs. 7). Yes, even when you know you have been
mistreated, even defrauded, there are times when staying right
with God means suffering wrong from men. It is better to take
wrong than to do wrong (1 PE. 3:17). In this case, lawsuits
between Christians is the wrong under consideration; even the
winner loses in such litigation. Better suffer the wrong than to
sin is the principle — a principle needing application to
other problems as well.
|
|
For
instance, taking wrong is better than seeking revenge.
"Getting even" has a way of becoming a demon-like
obsession which begets many sins. Remembering and rehearsing our
ill-treatment makes it grow all out of proportion in our own
minds. We must be vindicated, we feel — a feeling prompted
mostly by pride. God says that Christians are not to pay back
evil with evil (ROM.12:17). "Avenge not yourselves,
beloved, but give place to the wrath of God: for it is written,
Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the
Lord." (ROM. 12:19). So, take the wrong and leave it to the
Lord to settle the accounts. No wrongdoer will escape His
judgment, yours included.
But
taking wrong is more than just refraining from vindictive acts.
As Lenski puts it, "Simply to suffer the wrong, the
injustice, or the injury does not occur to many Christians. The
least they do is to set up a loud complaint and then continue
complaining and ill will. To forgive at once and to forget so
thoroughly as to make no complaint at any time, is an unknown
ethical practice even to brethren who think they are wise, well
read in the Scriptures and rather advanced Christians." (Interp.
of 1 COR., p. 245. Emp. mine, dss) Jesus taught this positive
side of taking wrong: "Do good to them that hate you, bless
them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use
you" (LUK. 6:27,28). This is not a code for cowards; it
neither excuses nor encourages the wrongdoer. Being right means
rightly taking wrong as did our great Example (1 PE. 2:21-24) .
Dan S. Shipley
[Previous
Article]
[Next
Article]
|
