Financial Discipleship – the Bible on Litigationনমুনা

Germany, Sweden, Israel, Austria, U.S., the UK, Denmark, Hungary, Portugal and France.

What do these 10 nations have to do with one another? According to research platform Academia, they’re the most litigious countries in the world.

Each year, hundreds of millions of lawsuits are filed in these countries. It’s almost like it’s more likely for people to be on one side of the court system at least once in their lifetime than not.

While settling matters in court is pretty commonplace in many countries around the world, it’s not supposed to be our go-to option for handling disputes.

I wrestle with myself as I write this, because there are so many issues and situations that we go through in this life. Some of us have been stolen from... some of us have been physically harmed... some of us grieve over a loved one taken from us too soon because of evil in the world. So, it’s easier said than done. But no matter how difficult, it still must be said: Before any one of us seeks “justice” for how we’ve been wronged, we need to check our hearts.

If you are considering going to court with a fellow believer, turn to the Bible for advice. Matthew 18:15-17, instructs you to go to them about the issue first, then take one or two others with you if you cannot reconcile. If you still cannot reconcile, take the matter to the church.

If you are considering going to court with an unbeliever, this may be an opportunity to extend mercy and grace (Colossians 4:5-6; Matthew 5:7), so they can see Jesus in you.

Now, this isn’t to say that court is reprehensible to the Lord. However, many reasons for going to court are fueled by offense, anger, greed, hurt and unforgiveness.

We have to be careful to guard our hearts. If any of these become your reason for suing or having a grievance with another, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you lead in love. Do not confuse restitution with revenge. Unforgiveness will consume you if you do not lean on Christ’s strength. Ask the Lord to reveal what’s in your heart and to show you what to do.

As Christians, it’s not good enough to leave it up to the worldly justice system. Does the court system even know what justice is?

In just my lifetime alone, I have seen wrongfully convicted men and women waste away in prison. I’ve seen guilty men and women walk away scot-free, and I’ve seen plenty of people get a slap on the wrist.

Clearly, the world does not know justice. But God does...

The Lord is the only One who knows and pursues justice. Besides that, I believe He wants us to realize that no amount of time served or money awarded can repair the hurt someone else causes. Nothing can heal your wounds but Jesus.

Jesus is the only One who can restore... who can refill... who can mend... and who can heal.

Jesus forgave all of us when we didn’t even think we needed forgiveness. So, our Heavenly Father requires us to forgive others.

If someone has wronged you badly enough to warrant going to court, pray to God for His love to fill you, read His Word for reproof, correction and guidance, and seek wise counsel from believers you trust.

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross makes all of this mean something much bigger. It’s about doing what God says... because Jesus always obeyed the Father. Jesus gave His life for us, even when we didn’t deserve it.

So, it’s not about what you believe someone deserves. It’s about doing what is right.

With gratitude,

Melody Stampley

Managing Editor, Compass