SATURDAY EDITORIAL

1 Corinthians 6:6-8
But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 7) Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded? 8) Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
BROTHERS
But brother goeth to law with brother,.... The relation meant is spiritual; it was usual for members of churches to be called brethren, they professing to be born again of the same Father, and belonging to the same family under Christ, the son, firstborn, and master of it: and a very wicked and shameful thing it was, that persons in such a relation, being of such a family, should go to law with one another at all: why do ye not rather take wrong why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? than to go to law, especially before unjust persons and unbelievers, taking the advice of Christ, Matthew 5:39-40 It is more advisable to a believer to suffer wrong than to go to law with any man, and especially with a brother.

The differences among Christians could be adjusted among themselves, by a reference to their brethren. In 99 cases out of 100, the decision would be more likely to be just and satisfactory to all parties from an amicable reference, than from the decisions of a civil court. In "the very few" cases where it would be otherwise, it would be better for the individual to suffer, than for the cause of religion to suffer. Christians ought to love the cause of their Master more than their own individual interest. They ought to be more afraid that the cause of Jesus Christ would be injured than that they should be a few pounds poorer from the conduct of others, or than that they should individually suffer in their character from the injustice of others.

JUDGES
and that before the unbelievers; which is an aggravation of their sin and folly. The apostle before calls them "unjust", now "infidels", such as had no faith in Christ, disbelieved the Messiah, and denied the whole Gospel, and therefore no faith or confidence should be put in them; for, generally speaking, such as have no faith, are not only wicked, but unreasonable men, men of no reason, conscience, justice, and equity; and therefore very improper persons for believers to bring their causes before. I am sure that they may be quiet a few judges who are believers but who knows who they are?

I do not do what I do for gain or profit. I do what I do for the glory of God and Jesus. It is a shame that a small quarrell can reach the threat of 'court.' We should do, with the help of our Saviour, everything in our power to keep that from taking place.

I want the "peace that passes all understanding," in my own mind. That "peace" comes by compliance with all the commandents of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.
New International Version ©1984 by Biblica

God Bless each of you,
LJG/rECj

Easton's Bible Dictionary