JOSEPH W. TKACH
December 1987
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your recent inquiry concerning exercising
one's legal rights.
Although the Bible mentions court action, it does so mostly
in a negative light. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for going to
court to settle differences between brethren (I Cor. 6:1-6).
Disputes involving those who are not members of God's
Church, of course, must be settled elsewhere. In the world, that
is usually in a court of law. Romans 13 shows that God has
allowed the governments of this world to maintain law and order
and to punish crime. Matters involving the laws of this world,
therefore, can be settled in the world's courts. It is not wrong
to use the protection of the law.
Even so, Jesus gave us some words of wisdom concerning
lawsuits. For example, if we have wronged someone or have caused
someone to be injured, we are advised to settle the issue fairly
before we get dragged into court and a judgment is rendered
against us (Matt. 5:25-26). Obviously, if we cannot settle a
matter and a suit results, we must defend ourselves legally. If
the final judgment is against us, we are counseled not only to
pay the penalty, but to do so in a nonbegrudging manner (Matt.
5:40). We must not have a hard-bitten, quarrelsome attitude of
resistance and griping, as is common in this world. Rather, we
are commanded to guide our lives by the law of love.
Most of the time, a person who applies the teachings of the
Bible will be able to settle any differences without going to
court. God looks on our hearts and is concerned with the attitude
we have in these matters -- whether of love toward others or of
selfishness and concern only for ourselves.
God offers wisdom and guidance to those who seek Him and
obey His Commandments (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; Jas. 1:5-7).
Certainly, one ought to pray wholeheartedly for God's help in
resolving difficulties peaceably. God is able to make even our
enemies to be at peace with us if our ways please Him (Prov.
16:7).
We hope you will let us know whenever we can be of
additional assistance to you in your study of the Bible. It is
our pleasure to serve you.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL