 |
| Share Agape for the week of June 2nd, 2003 |
| Individual Rights & Agape 1 Corinthians 6:1�7 �If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?...Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another�and this in front of unbelievers! �Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?� Some folks read this passage and interpret it to mean that Christians should never sue anyone, particularly other Christians. This first few times I studied this passage, I know that�s what I took from it. But, I was forced to wonder, what if someone molested a child? Are the parents forbidden from seeking legal recourse? Or, what if a fellow Christian neglects to pay child support for years on end? Or what if he, out of negligence, causes me large amounts of medical bills by hitting me with his car? Well, I think it�s always smart to look at Bible verses in their original context. In this case, Paul is writing to a new church in Corinth. By historical accounts, we know that the Corinthians were worldly�and one of their favorite past times was the ancient Greek custom of reveling in litigation, even for minor offenses. (Hmm�does this sound like a modern country we all know?) Realizing that Paul is writing to a specific group of people about their specific problems, I think we can say that Paul�s admonition to �not sue� isn�t absolute. Jesus Himself gave at least one acceptable reason to sue: If a spouse cheats on you, you may sue him or her for divorce. Romans 13 also tells us that the government and those in authority are here by God�s will; we�re supposed to abide by the laws and the government. So making use of an authority (like the court system) isn�t a sin in and of itself. In addition, Paul used the court system at least once in his own life (see Acts 25:11). I think what Paul may be most upset about here is that the Corinthians were so concerned about their �rights.� Instead of focusing on Christ and what was good for others, they were busy saying things like: �It�s my right to say what I want!� �It�s my right to do what I desire!� �It�s my right to take them for all they�ve got; I deserve it!� I can�t help but think that if Paul were alive today, and in the United States, he�d be ministering about the very same problem. This attitude of �me�ism� and focus on personal rights is exactly the opposite of what Christ commands us. If we love our neighbors (Lev. 19:18, Mt. 5:4, Mt. 19:19, Mt. 22:39, Mk. 12:31 & 33, Lk. 10:27, Rom. 13:9, Ga. 5:14, Ja. 2:8), if we seek not our own (Jn. 8:50, Jn. 5:30), if we allow God�s love to fill us, then we aren�t worried about our rights. We�re focused on loving and helping *others.* Therefore, as Paul puts it: �Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?� That�s a mighty powerful thought. It can be difficult to swallow our pride and allow someone to steal the coat off our back, but Christ commands us to do just that (Lk. 6:29). Moment by moment, hand your grudge over to God and allow Him to use you to spread His agape. So, practically speaking, what should a person do if they�ve been wronged? I think the Bible is pretty clear: 1. Never allow a dispute or lawsuit to result in hatred, feelings of revenge, or bitterness. Try to reconcile relationships. (Rom. 12:17�21) 2. Whether or not you�re dealing with another Christian, try to resolve the problem. If you can�t do it among yourselves, then enlist the help of your pastor or a mediation service�preferably a Christian service. (1 Cor. 6: 5) 3. Consider whether it�s a minor offense or a major one. If it�s minor, let it go (1 Cor. 6:7). This is an especially potent choice when dealing with nonbelievers, since it will probably make them step back and think, �Wow! Why�d they do that?� The answer can lead them to God. Paul also reminds us that as Christians we will be tested in this area, particularly when it comes to money and worldly goods. Paul certainly was (1 Cor. 9). 4. If, after prayer, you feel that suing is necessary and within God�s will, don�t be greedy. Don�t do what is �normal� in this country and sue for all you can get. Seek *only* fair compensation. (Eph. 5:3) MORE~~~~> |
 |
 |
 |