August 10
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AVOIDING LAWSUITS WITH CHRISTIANS
A poem by ILMA
When one of you has a dispute with another believer,
You shouldn’t ask a secular court to decide the matter
Instead, you should take it to another member of the body
Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world?
Can’t you decide even little things among yourselves?
Don’t you realize that we will judge angels?
Surely you should be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life
Why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church?
Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide on issues?
But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you
Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that?
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MEMORY VERSE
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.
– 1 Corinthians 6:1
Read: 1 Corinthians 6
So many people easily resort to courts to resolve their disputes with others. It becomes a battle who is right or wrong. Paul talked to the Corinthians about what God expects us to do when we get into disputes. Unlike the world’s view of setting conflicts, God asks us to run to another believer and seek counsel from the elderly of the church. This way, we can live in the truth and be reminded of God’s wisdom. When we consult the world’s system, we are just like any other unbeliever.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to get guidance from another believer instead of just running to the world?
• What’s the view of God when it comes to resolving disputes?