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6/16/2006 10:19 am Last Read: |
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6/16/2006 2:11 pm |
1 Timothy 1:9-10 (Amplified Bible) states: Knowing and understanding this; that the Law is not enacted for the righteous (the upright and just, who are in right standing with God), but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane, for those who strike and beat and [even] murder fathers and strike and beat and [even] murder mothers, for man slayers. This scripture says the law is for the lawless. We have a right to bring them before the law because they know not or live by the law of God. However, 1 Corinthians 6:1 (Amplified Bible) states: Does any of you dare, when he has a matter of complaint against another [brother], to go to law before unrighteous men [men neither upright nor right with God, laying it before them] instead of before the saints (the people of God)? This scripture tell us it is wrong for a brother to take another brother to court. Then Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:15-17 how to handle a dispute with our brothers and sisters. Our only trouble is to know who your christian brothers and sisters are!
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6/17/2006 7:57 pm |
Certain issues between Christians should be dealt with between them ONLY, if possible. And being commanded to seek to do this indicates that with God it will be possible. However, people and situations are not always easy or simple. One verse says, 'There is safety in MANY counselors'. And another says, 'IF any of you lacks Wisdom, you should ask YHWH for it -- DOUBTING NOTHING -- and it will be given, generously, and without making you feel stupid for asking'. (My own partial paraphrase.) James 1: 5. At some point it may involve one or two other IMPARTIAL Christians. And at some point, it could even be brought before the whole congregation. This pattern is stated to be in reference to one brother 'sinning against' another. There are other issues, however, that are NOT sin, per se. They might be accidents or other issues or disputes that are not against Scripture or sinning against the person. These issues may also be dealt with between them only, if possible. But if not, it may be brought before choice people within The Church. The principle that at some point it may involve one or two other IMPARTIAL Christians may or may not be appropriate, as this is not SIN AGAINST but an issue that requires resolution or agreement. Further, bringing such before the whole congregation would most likely NOT be advisable. Attorneys / Lawyers often advise a person in a dispute to discuss it with NO ONE outside dispute or certain circle of affected or potentially individuals. They may advise to tell no one at all. This would be difficult, but it may be advisable, depending on the situation. And as this is not a sin against, and by implication is probably not a CRIMINAL act under consideration, then it does NOT need to be publicized or gossiped about. There is a time to publicize, but that should be done with Good counsel, Faith, Wisdom, by the right voice, and with the right timing. Bringing an issue or dispute before certain choice individuals at an assembly, of course, presumed that there was One Church, one group of leaders, etc., not a myriad of assemblies who may or may not be impartial. Agreeing on a Christian arbitrator or arbitrators might be difficult. Follow the Spirit here, as you don't want the wrong persons to be making the decisions! Paul says that instead of going in front of unbelievers, and making Christians -- thus Christianity and Christ -- look bad or unLoving or unbrotherly toward one another, the person who is 'defrauded' could choose instead to just suffer it! Then he makes it clear that it appears foolish or inept that there would be no Christians among them who were able to decide in a dispute! and would look bad if they instead turned to non-Christian judges to decide! Doing that, therefore, is strongly advised against -- for His Name's sake. One verse says that if there is a dispute between you and someone, while you're on the way (maybe even walking and talking), YOU are to pursue peace with this person, and REALLY try to resolve it OUT of court or out of another's hands. A reason? It is very possible that the one judging might decide that it is YOU who was or is in the wrong (whether true or not), and you might end up in jail or prison or heavily fined yourself! This clearly means Don't be naive, assuming that the justice system will work this time, and will be ruled in your favor--even if advised by an attorney that it will. (MANY times they are wrong.) Don't put your faith in the justice system, or people in this way. And cautiously pursue a right course of action as led to by YHWH, not by supposed 'righteous indignation'. All the ways of people may be right in their own sight, but YHWH searches the hearts and minds! Further, while dispute resolution, or even suing, IS Scriptural in certain cases, where it APPEARS to NOT be wise or permitted, there may still be exceptions -- like some person trying DELIBERATELY to take advantage of Christians who won't sue! And this does occur. YHWH knows who they are, and would very likely want to reveal such a wicked plot! (And protect others too.) These people need to be taught a lesson by YHWH, not by us -- and maybe in front of all -- and may be made to lose in a resolution or suit. Suing is an important part of the justice system, as long as it's not used too quickly, at the wrong times, overused, or abused. Wow. That's a lot. But it's not unclear or muddy, mostly, which course of action to take. Though people WILL need Wisdom, if they don't already have it. AND, not only past Wisdom from YHWH, but present, for He COULD ask one or both to make personal or organizational sacrifices in the situation. To obey is better than sacrifice. Don't be a false martyr, or just put yourself or your constituents down. Do consider others as 'more important' / 'better' than yourselves (whichever translation makes more sense). Do pursue peace with all, as much as it is within your 'power' / 'ability'. Do LOVE your brother or sister fervently, with a pure heart, a Good, clear conscience, and a sincere Faith. And whatever you do, do it in Messiah's Name for the Glory of the Father YHWH. Walk by Faith. And, Walk in the Spirit. HalleluYah! Praise Yah! (Posted without rereading.) © Embarking on a new journey If you want to get to know me, or my Blog.  wpx1 ©
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6/17/2006 8:13 pm |
Matthew 5:40 above is an interesting verse, but it is more of How to pursue peace when someone thinks they have a reason to come after you. And though I can see how it seems that He's saying not to sue, it really is not; it really says nothing about what you should do in the case where you could be suing another, because that's not the direction or situation it is addressing. Verses 21-26 deal with the attitudes we are and are NOT to have toward one another, and with when a 'brother has something against you'. You are commanded to RECONCILE -- guilty or not -- then go do your Spiritual thing toward YHWH that you were going to do. We are not allowed to let our brother hold a grudge without doing what we can to pursue Peace -- even Jesus/Iesou/Yahshua -- in the situation. If you right now KNOW a Christian (or possibly even a family member or relative or... pray about those) who 'has something against you', right or wrong, pray, be led, and then RECONCILE! THIS is how Peace is made. Peace does not just come on its own, or by dropping matters, and hoping that it will blow off, it comes by someone reconciling -- people doing it within themselves, and people doing it with people who have something against them. Those who have something against you may be in the wrong, but they probably don't think so. You don't think THEY will be the ones to change their minds, and come to you, do you?!? Reconcile -- it is part of your calling to Love. 'Pursue Peace with all, and Holiness, without which NO ONE will see the LORD.' Hebrews 12:14 © Embarking on a new journey If you want to get to know me, or my Blog. wpx1 ©
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