don't go to court

Good evening friends,

In this section from Paul's letter to the Corinthians he makes a claim that's almost shocking now. Christians should not allow their disputes to escape the church. Even when we disagree strongly with another believer, even when we think another Christian has wronged us, we can (and should) handle the dispute within the church. God has given the community gifts of wisdom, discernment, understanding and wise speech to be able to settle disputes. What would it take to make this a reality today?

God bless,
Sam

1 Corinthians 6:1-8

When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? ²Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? ³Do you not know that we are to judge angels—to say nothing of ordinary matters?

⁴If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? ⁵I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, ⁶but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that? ⁷In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? ⁸But you yourselves wrong and defraud—and believers at that.

disagreeing gently

Good morning sisters and brothers,
Here as in a few of the other passages we've read from the letters to Timothy Paul urges Timothy to avoid foolish controversy. This is such timely advise to the church since many of our denominations are stuck in controversy. The challenge is knowing how to avoid controversy while promoting the truth and standing up for justice. Many of the controversies that divide the church have to do with important questions that we can't just ignore. At the same time we can honestly try to listen to people with whom we disagree and present our side with humility and the gentleness Paul urges. In that way the disagreement can be seen clearly and without letting it tear people apart.

When we disagree gently we can also keep the focus on the fact that we agree much more than we disagree. That lets us keep the church's ministry the priority while figuring out questions on which there is controversy in the background with the assumption that we are all trying to be faithful. As we pray for the wholeness of Christ's church we move forward in witness to God's love that conquers death and human squabbling.

God bless,
Sam

2 Timothy 2:16-26

16Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some.

19But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.” 20In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. 21All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.

22Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 25correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.