I love helping people. That’s probably why I have been a pastor for many, many years. Later I went to school to be an attorney so I could help people in other ways. Participating with God in both of these vocations is very rewarding. But, I do have one disappointment. Sadly, as Christians we are involved in lawsuits. I wish it were not necessary and that our disputes could be settled in a church environment. Sometimes it can. I am grateful that our court system is founded in the Christian principles of the rule of law, equality, blind justice, and general fairness. As believers, we have rights, but we should not be so reluctant to lay them aside at times and resolve problems amicably.
Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to form the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you anyone wise who will be able to decide between his brothers and sisters, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? On the contrary, you yourselves do wrong and defraud. And this to your brothers and sisters! 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 NASB
How important is it to me to be a “blessed peacemaker”? Am I finding the balance between strong representation and advocation while trying to resolve disputes without court involvement?
God, as this day begins- this Good Friday… I pray my heart and others are aware of the suffering of Jesus and that it is the greatest expression of Your love for us all. I am grateful that He rose from the grave. Sunday is coming!
