6 September 2022

I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that?

From 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 NRSV

Paul has some stern words for the Christian community in Corinth about how they were dealing with disputes that arose amongst them. He seems to see it as scandalous that they should need to bring such disputes to a civil court, stating that this should not be necessary. He suggests that there should be someone reliable enough within the community to help resolve disputes. He goes even further to state that Christians should not have disputes with one another in any case, but should suffer the consequences of being wronged with the awareness that a wronged person will, in their turn, have caused wrong to others. Paul’s radical suggestion would no doubt have caused a rethink for the community but it would be some years before procedures for dealing with disputes were agreed.

• • What do you make of Paul’s statement that wrongs should be endured rather than taken to court?  
  • How should we deal with the disputes that arise within our own communities?

Pray for situations in which there is dispute between fellow Christians – that these may be resolved for the good of all involved.