Jim McDonald

First Corinthians 6:1-11 addresses an issue among Corinthian Christians that still arises at times among brethren: lawsuits against one another in civil courts. Paul asked them, “Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?”

Paul reminded these brethren that the saints “will judge the world” and even “angels”. Therefore, surely they ought to be able to find someone within the congregation — someone wise and respected — who could help resolve disputes among themselves. He asked, “Is there not a wise man among you who shall be able to decide between his brethren?” (1 Corinthians 6:5). Paul’s statement that saints will judge the world and angels is difficult to fully understand. Scripture is clear that the Lord Jesus will be the judge on the final day. Yet, in some sense, Christians will participate in judgment. While we may not fully grasp how, the point remains: if Christians are entrusted with such responsibility, they should certainly be capable of helping one another settle disputes.

Whatever the outcome of a disagreement between brethren, both must be prepared for the possibility that, rather than bringing disgrace upon the church and reflecting poorly on the name of the Lord, they may need to suffer loss or even be defrauded. Paul asked, “Why not rather take wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” (1 Corinthians 6:7b). That is not an easy thing — to suffer loss while being in the right. Yet the Christian must be willing, if it comes to that, to endure such loss rather than bring reproach upon the name of the Savior.

The instruction from the Holy Spirit to brethren facing legal disputes is clear: do not take a brother to court before civil authorities. Instead, seek out a wise and discerning brother who can help judge the matter. And if the decision does not favor one party, that brother must be willing to accept the outcome, even to the point of suffering wrong, rather than engaging in a public dispute that would dishonor the name of Christ. This is difficult, but it is the command of our Lord.

Many years ago, around 1960-65, we lived in the Golden Triangle — Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange, Texas — during the height of the controversy over institutionalism among churches. Sadly, this issue led to many divisions. In one congregation, those who could not in good conscience support the use of church funds for human institutions separated from the congregation where they had worshiped. A dispute over the church building arose and became intense, eventually leading both groups to take the matter before a civil court.

On the day of the trial, as both sides stood before the judge, a spokesman for the brethren who had left asked permission to make a statement before proceedings began. Permission was granted. The brother stood, opened his Bible, and read from 1 Corinthians 6:1-11. When he finished, he told the judge that he and those with him were withdrawing their suit. They recognized that their actions were contrary to God’s will and were willing to suffer loss rather than disobey the Lord’s instruction. With that, the case was ended.

Though many years have passed, I have never stopped appreciating the actions of those brethren. Their conduct is a worthy example and demonstrates the kind of obedience God requires of His people. Of course, this is not to say that there are no matters that properly belong in civil courts. There are situations — such as divorce involving fornication, or cases where a brother has violated civil law — that may require legal action. My purpose here is to emphasize that when brethren have disputes with one another, they should first work to resolve them privately, and if necessary, seek the help of mature Christians.

Fortunately, lawsuits among brethren are rare. Aside from the incident mentioned above, I am aware of very few such cases, though there have likely been more than I know. God’s Word is clear, and we can understand it. At times, obedience may come at a high cost. Yet one question from Jesus helps us remain steadfast in doing what is right, regardless of the price: “What shall a man be profited if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”