Topic: Seeking Justice
Bible Reading: Psalm 120-123; 1 Corinthians 6.
Memory Verse: “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?” 1 Corinthians 6:7 (KJV)
The call for long suffering does not give any Christian liberty to partially wrong the brethren because everyone will account for his deeds. The Bible says that God is a true judge and is the one in Romans 2:6 (KJV), “Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” So, no matter what you do, remember that you will be judged by the Almighty who knows the intent of your action. It is therefore important that you think twice and particularly consider the implication of all your actions before taking it.
You need to ask yourself, how your action will make or mar others that will be affected by it. You need to ruminate how your action will affect the faith of others and how it will either help to evangelise the gospel or send the people further from God. Moreso remember that the Bible says in Matthew 18:7 (KJV), “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” This further reiterates the need to continuously bear the fruit of love wherever you go.
Having said that, the Bible enjoins all christians to settle their grievances among themselves rather than taking it to unbelieving judges to settle. This may involve you allowing the wrong done to you unaddressed. 1 Corinthians 6:7 KJV says, “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?”
This is difficult but can easily be borne out of love! When we also remember the word of God in Romans 12:19 (KJV), “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” The word of God went further to say you should not only forgive but also bless your enemies! Romans 12:20 (KJV) says, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
These days, Christians take themselves to court over church positions talk less of personal issues inspite of the clear biblical injunction. This happens often because believers are not ready to suffer any wrong and in some cases, they want to take what is not theirs? Can such persons call themselves Christians? Are you one of those taking other Christians to court? It is time you withdraw such cases and handover to God. He is the best judge!
Sometimes ago, a Pentecostal church pastor was pastoring a parish in one of the towns in the western state of Nigeria and the church blossomed so much that the pastor decided to take over the church personally. He therefore told the General Overseer of the church that he was entirely responsible for the church and it cannot be subject to the rules and regulations of the Pentecostal church anymore. He then told the Overseer that the parish would be an independent church under his watch. All efforts to persuade him failed and so the General Overseer left the church and came to the headquarter church after telling the pastor that God will fight for himself. Before the Overseer got to the headquarter, a wind suddenly blew inside the church and the pastor became a leper instantly.
If you are truly aggrieved as a child of God, take your grievance to God and not to men except you are taken to court by another brethren and you should do your best to see how you can settle out of court. Where the other party refuses to take it out of court, hand over the case to God and wait for his judgment!
Prayer point:
Father in the mighty name of Jesus, please give me the grace to allow myself to be defrauded rather than take a Christian to court for justice!
Bro. Biodun Oyapero