Avoid the lawsuit

"To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?" 1 Corinthians 6:7

Insurance Journal Magazine reported yesterday that Dennis O'Donnell, a New York man who broke his arm running on the George Washington Bridge, is suing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, alleging that there's not enough space for both cyclists and pedestrians. O'Donnell claims that he broke his arm so badly that, a year later, he has only gained 75 percent use of it - and so is seeking compensation for his injuries and hopes the lawsuit will compel the Port Authority to make some changes. 

With lawsuits at an all time high and a part of normal life (just look at all the commercials urging us to seek legal help for even the smallest slight), have you ever wondered how a Christian should handle being cheated or taken advantage of by another believer? Paul answered that question when he wrote, "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you."  In other words, Paul knew that for Christians not to forgive each other and reconcile their own differences was to demonstrate spiritual defeat - thus it would be better for us to "suffer wrong" and be "defrauded" by fellow followers than to prosecute them.

So before even thinking about taking a brother or sister to court, consider this my friend. Unbelievers are watching us. And if we behave as the world does, seeking our own revenge and holding back forgiveness, why would they ever want to become a Christian?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are to try and resolve disputes and disagreements in a way that shows that we are Your followers. Help us to prayerfully consider the way we respond to being wronged that we might not, in our attempt to win a legal battle, lose the spiritual battle to win the lost to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Forgiveness - Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Lu5udXEZI