Can Christians take non-Christians to court?
1 Corinthians 6:1
ESV - 1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
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Asked September 09 2015
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Adewale Ademola
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Singapore Moses
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? (1 Corinthians 6:7)
✿ The above verse is interpreted wrongly that Christians should NOT take legal action in the court of law. That's FALSE. The above verse teaches that the Christian should not go to law with a fellow-brother-in-Christ in civil courts.
✿ Then what about disputes with non-believers?Can Christians take non-Christians to court?
It is a good question. Lets discuss on Biblical perspective.
✿ Bible advices to bring the matter to the Saint or the born again believer in the local Church of God.
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3)
If the saints are to judge the world, then they should be able to settle small matters among themselves on earth. Any disputes or legal decisions should be get counselled with the saints of God. The saints or born-again believers should give them legal counsel as to what to do based on communications with God.
Greek: krino (G2919), to judge; make a legal decision. It does not refer to passing sentence on disputed parties, or sending them to punishment. It does mean that saints will be exalted higher than JUDGES in the court of law to rule them, making decisions for the administration of the universe. Saints, not wicked people, become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ to inherit all things (Rom. 8:17-18 Gal. 5:21; Heb. 6:12; Rev. 21:7).
Even saints are being examples even to angels (Eph. 3:8-11 1Cor. 4:9; 11:10). Angels are eager to learn about the plan of God for the redeemed (1Pet. 1:10-13). If saints are to judge angels, how much more should they be capable of judging things that pertain to this life.
✿ If then ye have judgements of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church (1 Corinthians 6:3) If you have judgements and they are so complicated that the great men of the church cannot give justice, they then set them to judge that are the least esteemed in the church. This seems to be irony to shame them for not being willing to take the responsibility for decisions which should be made (1Cor. 6:4-6).
Alex Tsirikos
Yes, you can sue an unbeliever, as long as all other options have been exhausted. 1 Corinthians 6:1 is talking specifically about Christians suing other Christians.
Ferdy Mercado
If you will follow Jesus' teaching to the letter, it is better for a Christian not to "avenge" himself.
Matthew 5:40
And if any man will "sue" thee at the law, and take thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
If your air is to give Him glory, then you should love your neighbors and your enemies (v. 44).