I fought the law...

[Tellyontellyon]

Some passages in the Bible suggest that rather than involve the authorities and the courts, it is better for Christians to sort things out among themselves according to Christian standards.
Is this better in general? (Obviously some things would be too severe for that..) but in general, is it better for Christians to sort it out themselves in a way that is fair and wise for all concerned.

 

[HTacianas]

Some passages in the Bible suggest that rather than involve the authorities and the courts, it is better for Christians to sort things out among themselves according to Christian standards.
Is this better in general? (Obviously some things would be too severe for that..) but in general, is it better for Christians to sort it out themselves in a way that is fair and wise for all concerned.

1 Corinthians 6 discusses disputes between believers:

1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

And it was better in those times to have the group judge disputes between believers. Nowadays it's almost impossible to do, but still better.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Some passages in the Bible suggest that rather than involve the authorities and the courts, it is better for Christians to sort things out among themselves according to Christian standards.
Is this better in general? (Obviously some things would be too severe for that..) but in general, is it better for Christians to sort it out themselves in a way that is fair and wise for all concerned.

If a dispute can be settled in love, grace, and the fellowship of the Church--and the healing that is found in God's goodness here--that is better than possibly destroying the fellowship of two people by bringing it to the court.

If I have a dispute with a fellow parishioner, a brother or sister, and I take it to court even if it gets settled I may have just ruined my friendship and fellowship with that person--or make it much harder to heal those wounds.

Clearly there will be times when courts need to get involved, especially where serious offenses have taken place. But when it is practical and preferable, finding a healthy, loving resolution to a dispute is certainly better for both parties--when both parties are called to love and service to each other.

-CryptoLutheran