While listening to my audio-bible, I was amazed by something Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians. It has the power to revolutionize how we deal with disputes, especially between Christians. 

The first segment of 1 Corinthians 6 deals with an ugly thing that was happening in Corinth. Apparently, Christians were getting into fights and then leveling lawsuits against each other. Paul aims to put a stop to it, but in so doing, he reveals three amazing options for settling disputes among Christians. 

So, let’s take a look. 

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? - 1 Cor 6:2-3

Option 1 For Settling Disputes Between Christians

His logic is astounding. We will be called on to judge much more complex matters, such as “the world” and “angels.” Faithful believers are going to be given such incredible responsibilities in the kingdom to come, and current interpersonal disputes should be kept in their place. No matter how big an argument feels, it is trivial compared to what we will one day use our judgment for. Wow! What a perspective shift! With that perspective in mind, we have what we need to talk out any problem. In a sense, he’s giving a boost to their wounded confidence, assuring them, “You CAN work this out.” 

Have you ever faced a conflict that has zapped your peace-making confidence? I know I have. Here’s what Paul says to do.

Option one: Remember the spiritual perspective and talk it out knowing you CAN work it out. 

He then reveals another way disputes ought to be handled within the Christian community. If talking it out personally doesn’t work, he adds this:

I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 1 Cor 6:5

Option 2 For Settling Disputes Between Christians

Using sarcasm, he explains that if talking it out isn’t working, you can escalate the dispute within the church. Take it to a “wise man” within the body of believers who can help settle it. 

Option 2: Find a wise Christian brother to help mediate a truce.

In a congregation of average size, there are Christian brothers who excel at this. In fact, there may even be professional mediators and counselors within the church. Even if you can’t agree on the disputed matter, at least agree to pick a mediator and move forward. 

In the next verses, he shows that taking a dispute outside the church is so repugnant that they should consider an amazing, astounding, unthinkable alternative. 

….Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 1 Cor 6:7b

Option 3 For Settling Disputes Between Christians

If you’ve tried all else, there is a simple solution. It’s not an easy one to accept, but Paul insists that it’s better than letting the dispute spill out of the church. 

Option 3: Let yourself be cheated and wronged.

What!?!? Really? But…

This is not natural. We have an innate desire for justice. We feel that fairness is an inalienable right. If you think allowing yourself to be wronged is impossible, you’re not alone. But let me remind you of this simple fact: it’s exactly what Jesus did at his crucifixion.