Spiritual matters require spiritual discernment

An unbeliever lawyer (or any secular authority) should never decide doctrinal issues in the church. Spiritual matters require spiritual discernment, entrusted to believers who are grounded in Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and accountable to Christ. While legal counsel may assist with practical applications of decisions, the church must vigilantly guard its responsibility to "contend for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3) without compromise. To do otherwise risks abandoning the church’s divine mandate and surrendering its witness to the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:20-25).

The question of whether a Christian should sue another Christian in civil court is addressed directly in Scripture, and the answer requires careful consideration of biblical principles, the context of the dispute, and the broader witness of the church. Here’s a summary of the key issues:

1. Biblical Prohibition Against Lawsuits Between Believers

1 Corinthians 6:1-8 explicitly condemns Christians taking legal disputes against one another to secular courts:

"If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?… The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?"

Paul’s rebuke emphasizes:

Spiritual failure: Resorting to secular courts undermines the church’s unity and testimony.

Trust in God’s justice: Believers are called to resolve conflicts internally through mediation, arbitration, or church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17).

Sacrificial love: It is better to suffer loss than to harm the body of Christ or dishonor God’s name (Matthew 5:38-40).

2. Exceptions and Nuances

While the general principle is clear, there are rare situations where civil action might be permissible, though still fraught with spiritual risk:

Criminal matters: If a believer commits a crime (e.g., fraud, abuse, theft), civil authorities should be involved (Romans 13:1-4).

Protecting the vulnerable: Legal action may be necessary to defend others (e.g., children, the oppressed) from harm.

No alternative resolution: If the offending party refuses to engage in biblical reconciliation (Matthew 18:16-17), civil action might be a last resort.

Even in these cases, the motive must be examined: Is the goal justice, restitution, and repentance—or revenge, pride, or financial gain?

3. Biblical Alternatives to Lawsuits

The church is called to handle disputes internally:

Mediation: Seek wise, impartial believers to arbitrate (Proverbs 15:22, 1 Corinthians 6:5).

Church discipline: If reconciliation fails, the church may need to confront unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15-17).

Restitution: Offenders should voluntarily make amends (Luke 19:8; Philemon 1:18-19).

For example, if two Christians have a business dispute, they might involve mature believers or a Christian mediation service rather than a secular court.

4. Practical and Ethical Concerns

Damaged witness: Lawsuits between Christians scandalize the church and contradict Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:35).

Worldly mindset: Secular courts operate on principles of retribution and self-interest, not grace or reconciliation.

Spiritual harm: Lawsuits often deepen bitterness and hinder forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Even "winning" a lawsuit can result in spiritual loss if it fractures relationships and dishonors Christ.

5. Guidance for Believers

Examine motives: Is this dispute rooted in pride, greed, or unresolved anger (James 4:1-3)?

Pursue reconciliation first: Follow Matthew 18:15-17 rigorously before considering legal action.

Seek counsel: Consult pastors or spiritually mature believers for wisdom (Proverbs 11:14).

Trust God: Surrender the outcome to the Lord, even if it means personal loss (Romans 12:19).

Conclusion

Scripture strongly discourages Christians from suing one another in civil courts, urging instead humility, forgiveness, and internal resolution. While extreme cases (e.g., criminal behavior) may necessitate legal intervention, these should be exceptions, not norms. The church’s integrity and Christ’s command to "live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18) must guide every decision. As Paul warns: "Why not rather be wronged?" The eternal value of unity and testimony far outweighs temporal disputes.