DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- Key Verse
- "If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?" (1 Cor. 6:1)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
As Christians we should make every attempt to settle any disputes amongst ourselves without involving the court system.
Reflections
Years ago a friend came to me and asked me if he could borrow, what to me, was a great deal of money. He explained it would only be for a few days until his banker could arrange a short-term loan. I had witnessed him go through this process numerous times before, so I agreed to lend him the money for a few days. When time came for repayment, he did not repay me, but put me off for what became weeks and then years. This act put a great deal of strain on our relationship and ultimately we became estranged. I was angry and resentful. How dare he not pay me back! I contacted an attorney and was granted a summary judgment against him. Unable to collect, I eventually forgot about the bad debt and my now former friend moved away from Texas.
A great lesson, today I no longer make loans to friends but do give gifts from time to time. I regret my litigation and now realize the best course of action is for me to attempt to talk to the person who has harmed me and ultimately forgive the transgression. Matthew 18:21-22 says, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" I do not believe this scripture means I am to be a doormat for people putting myself in the position to be taken advantage of. Matthew 18:15-17 also gives a process of redemption to apply against someone who sins against us. I must remember that if someone harms me, I am to make every attempt to handle this dispute without involving the courts.
A remarkable thing happened. Twenty years after my former friend defaulted on his loan, he showed up on my doorstep and paid me back all of the money he owed me with interest. My gift had been repaid beyond what my friend will ever realize.
Discussion Questions
1. If someone within the church harms me, what is my recourse?
2. Is there ever a time when we must involve the secular authorities? Why or why not?
3. Why is forgiveness so difficult?
delia
April 29, 2010 08:57 AM
Thanks Mark! I needed this reminder today. I find myself relecting on this last year and I have to smile at all the wonderful things God has done and alot of it was letting go of anger,resentment and being more thankful for his Blessings.And dropping to my knees is nothing to be ashamed of. Great message!
Mike Heinz
April 29, 2010 10:19 AM
Mark, What a great story of stuggle, growth and redemption. I've got a lot of growing to do in this area myself. Thanks for your openness for the sake of the body of Christ. And, thanks for serving the body of Christ as you do.
Mitzi
April 29, 2010 12:14 PM
What a perfect example! While I've never been owed money, there have been other times when I've taken a dispute to "the authorities" and would have been better off dealing with them one-on-one. Thanks for your encouragement!