Don’t see the audio player? Click here.
One study found that in 2005, Americans spent $260 billion on frivolous lawsuits. Though some challenge the accuracy of the study, it shows how prone we are to sue when we even think we have been wronged. Even Christians bring these suits. Yet the Bible cautions believers about suing each other. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6: “When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?” The Apostle discourages Christians from going to court over frivolous issues. Why? Some judges may not share Christian values; many lawsuits are to get even, not justice, and lawsuits can harm the cause of Christ. They should certainly be our last resort.
