When Christians cannot resolve their differences privately, God commands that we turn to the church rather than to the civil courts.
Unfortunately, many Christians are unaware of this command or believe that it no longer applies today. Worse yet, many churches ignore this passage and do nothing to help Christians settle their disputes in a biblical manner. This failure was specifically noted by Chief Justice Warren Burger in 1982.
“One reason our courts have become overburdened is that Americans are increasingly turning to the courts for relief from a range of personal distresses and anxieties. Remedies for personal wrongs that once were considered the responsibility of institutions other than the courts are now boldly asserted as legal ‘entitlements.’ The courts have been expected to fill the void created by the decline of church, family and neighborhood unity.”
The church’s neglect to fulfill its traditional peacemaking responsibilities has deprived Christians of valuable assistance, contributed to the congestion of our court system, and, worst of all, damaged the witness of Christ. Fortunately, there are still some Christians who take Paul’s rebuke seriously. For example, Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia recently made this observation:
“I think this passage [1 Cor. 6:1-8] has something to say about the proper Christian attitude toward civil litigation. Paul is making two points: first, he says that the mediation of a mutual friend, such as the parish priest, should be sought before parties run off to the law courts.
… I think we are too ready today to seek vindication or vengeance through adversary proceedings rather than peace through mediation….
Good Christians, just as they are slow to anger, should be slow to sue.”
….Justice Scalia reminds us that Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. Furthermore, these instructions are extremely practical and beneficial. When Paul commanded Christians to resolve their disputes in the church, he had a specific process in mind. Jesus had already established a format that Christians are to follow when they are dealing with sin and conflict (see Matt. 18:15-20). This process…involves private discussions, a type of mediation, and authority to make a binding decision. The approach is so wise and effective that even the secular legal system is imitating it.
There are many benefits to resolving conflicts in the church rather than the courts. Litigation usually increases tensions and often destroys relationships. In contrast, the church can actively encourage forgiveness and promote reconciliation, thus preserving valuable relationships. Furthermore, a court process usually fails to deal with the underlying causes of conflict. In fact, the adversarial process, which encourages people to focus on what they have done right and what others have done wrong, often leaves the parties with a distorted view of reality and may actually ingrain the flawed attitudes that caused the conflict in the first place. In contrast, the church can help people to identify root problems. Once the personal issues are resolved, the legal issues can often be settled with little additional effort. At the same time, the church can help people change harmful habits so they will experience less conflict and enjoy healthier relationships in the future.
The church can also develop more complete and effective remedies than a court. A judge is usually limited to awarding money damages, transferring property, or enforcing a contract. When a dispute is resolved within the church, the parties are encouraged to work together to develop creative solutions that resolve both substantive and relational issues.
— from Ken Sande, Peacemaker, p. 38-39
TPC Pastor's Page 