1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Settle Out Of Court

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 NIV
So far I have managed to stay out of the courtroom due to any lawsuits by or against me. But, I have been in the courtroom when other's have been on trial or trying to have a judgment settled. It does not give one much comfort as you sit in a courtroom waiting for someone to be judged. In fact, it is quite unsettling.

St. Paul gives us good advise in that we, as Christians, should settle our differences out of court. Even if we have to humble ourselves a bit in order for that to happen; what is that? After all; we have been washed, we have been sanctified, we have ultimately been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.

Save yourself the stress (and a lot of money); settle your differences out of court.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 25:1-12 Appealing to the Court

Acts 25:1-12 NIV
It is best when things can be resolved out of court. But, sometimes it is necessary to appeal to the state so that things can be straightened out; so that the innocent one might be protected; so that peace (at least some semblance of it) might be restored.

Paul's message intimidated the Jews. His message was one of grace for all people who would follow Jesus. The message of the Jews who despised Paul was one of strict adherence to the law. But, Paul was out of reach, he was in the hands of the state in Caesarea. The Jews really wanted to get Paul back in their own territory so they would be able to manipulate the local courts. But, Festus would have none of that. Paul would have none of that. Paul appealed to a higher court. He appealed to Caesar. The request was granted. His life was prolonged with this request. His ability to continue to proclaim the Good News to those around him continued.

According to Matthew 5:25, Jesus said:“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison." 

The Jews who persecuted Paul had no intention of settling matters with Paul outside of court. They wanted him gone for good. They wanted the message he carried gone. The chaos that comes with falsely accusing someone seems not to have bothered them much. Paul, with his message of forgiveness in Christ Jesus, really seemed to be a thorn in their side; a thorn which they wanted to remove by removing Paul from this world. There was no reconciling. They were right. Paul was wrong. So they spent their lives angrily chasing after Paul. What a way to live! Is it not been better to discuss things rather than attack those who disagree with you? It appears that the imprisonment the Jews suffered in the hardness of their hearts may have been worse than Paul's imprisonment by the state.

The continual persecution provided some obstacles for Paul's ministry; but, he was still able to continue to testify in spite or maybe even because of his imprisonment. Hardships may come; but, God's will, will still be done. Is it not better to resolve things before they go too far? Sitting down and talking or praying together might be a good start before one's life is wasted away; before one is imprisoned by their our misplaced anger and fear.

May the peace of God be with you all and may we be reconciled to one another in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace -  Pr. J
 

Luke 12:57-59 Court

Luke 12:57-59 NIV
   "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?" Jesus addresses the use of courts to settle disputes. Do what is right and you won't be dragged off to court. Take care of your problems before you end up in court where there is a good chance you will lose not just your money; but, your reputation as well. Not ending up in the court system just might require a little change. It might require repentance. It might even require cooperating with others. Now, is that not a novel idea! Work together for the good of everyone!
   Part of the over worked justice system's problem may be that there just aren't that many people who really know what is right any longer. Everyone is out for themselves without any concern; without empathy for their neighbor or their neighbor's children. 
   Nobody likes being dragged off to court. So why not do what is right in the first place? Give to your neighbor's what is your neighbors whether it be property, space, respect. Do not withhold those things that belong to them and give generously to those in need. 
   "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matt 7:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J