How do you settle disputes with brothers and sisters in Christ? In a dispute, we may make every effort to show that we are right, to satisfy our sense of justice and vindication. The Corinthian church members felt the same amongst each other. In fact, they were taking matters to court to have ungodly judges settle their problems (1). While this may have resolved disputes outwardly, it was a terrible witness to the world (5-6). Christians who taught the love and forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ could not even forgive trivial offenses and disputes! Moreover, bringing their issues before secular courts only deepened their divisions (8).

Paul said they would one day sit in judgment of the world. They would even judge angels. They were more than competent to judge and resolve their disputes between themselves. Furthermore, Paul challenged them. Bringing lawsuits amongst themselves meant they were already defeated irrespective of how an ungodly judge ruled. Should they not rather be wronged – even cheated - instead of parading their problems before worldly people? Paul did not ignore injustice. God would judge all the ungodly. But they had been sanctified and justified in Jesus and should live accordingly.
Application: Father, help me to be an instrument of your forgiveness and justice, even when I am wronged. Please forgive me for turning to ungodly ways.
One Word: Settle matters among God’s people in a godly way