Copyright 1999-2010 by David W. Eckman
eckman-law.com
For someone living according to the world's standards, deciding whether to sue is often simply a question of how much the person can get or of "protecting" the person's rights. But for someone consecrated to YHWH (Yahweh), the heavenly Father revealed in Jesus Christ by his Holy Spirit, someone who has accepted YHWH as king, that decision is not and should not be a simple one. Here are a few considerations that I think are relevant:
Whether Christian or not, there are several things anyone will want to consider before deciding to sue:
For Christians, there is more: Without quoting them, here are just a few of the Biblical references (with shorthand references) that a Christian will want to consider:
Matt. 5:25-26, Luke 12:58-59 (settle quickly with your adversary); 1 Cor. 6:1-11 (taking another to court instead of before the saints); James 2:6 (rich drag poor into court); Matt. 7:1, Luke 6:37-38 (judge not); John 8:1-11 (neither do I condemn you).
Matt. 18:21-35, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 17:3-4, Col. 3:13 (forgive to be forgiven, forgive 70x7); Luke 6:41-42 (removing a speck from a neighbor's eye); Lev. 19:18, Matt. 22:39-40, Mark 12:31-34, Rom. 13:9-10, James 2:8 (love your neighbor); Luke 10:29-37 (who is my neighbor); Luke 23:34 (Father, forgive them); John 20:23 (forgiving and retaining sins: consider who retains the sins not forgiven); Rom. 15:2-4 (build up our neighbor); Matt. 5:43-44, Rom. 12:19-21 (love enemies, never take revenge, do good); Luke 9:54-55 (you know not what spirit you are of [KJV]).
Matt. 6:25-34 (seek first YHWH's kingdom and what pleases him); James 4:11-12 (one lawgiver and judge); Matt. 16:26-27 (no profit in gaining world and losing soul); Matt. 20:25-28, 23:11-12, John 12:26 (servant of Jesus, servant of all); 2 Tim. 2:24-3:5 (how YHWH's servant behaves); Isa. 45:5-12 (I am YHWH . . . creating calamity [NASB]); Rom. 12:28 (God works all for good); Eph. 5:21, Prov. 15:22, 21:30, 24:6, 1 Cor. 12:12-14 (submit to one another, the counsel of the body, many counselors).
Love of Jesus makes Christians consider whom they serve, and why, and what their first duty is. I encourage you to seek YHWH's will: in prayer, in scripture and in the counsel of mature and prayerful Christians.
As you listen for YHWH's answer, ask if a lawsuit is likely to please YHWH. Ask if Jesus will be glorified. Seek Godly counsel, not that of the world. The world may regard you as a fool for not going to court, but the foolishness of God is wiser than all the "wisdom" of this world. When tempted to assert your "rights", examine the rights the Bible gives you as a servant of YHWH. Which of those are you taking to Court?
In considering what to do, beware of thinking that you are an instrument of YHWH's vengeance. If you look carefully at the Bible, you will find that the people YHWH typically used for his vengeance were not his children. For example, he used the Assyrians to destroy Israel, the Babylonians to destroy Judah and the self-righteous to scatter the early church. Remember who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." (Rom. 12:19)
This article does not attempt to address additional considerations involved in deciding whether to file divorce and other family court cases (which are lawsuits, but with very different purposes and outcomes), although some of the considerations above apply even to family law cases. In addition, this article does not apply to probate matters, which are also lawsuits, unless they involve contests. And if a contest is being considered, then many of the comments above will apply.
A Christian has more to consider (and overcome) before deciding to sue than someone outside the body of Jesus Christ: Sometimes a lawsuit may be appropriate, but often it's not. And sometimes there are other legal solutions. As a Christian lawyer, I urge you to remember that in all legal matters, though it is wise and proper to seek Godly counsel, nevertheless YHWH must be in charge. Our first duty is to serve him, to fulfill his commission to us, to be transformed from within by the work of the Holy Spirit so that our lives and our words reflect the life of Jesus Christ at work in us, even if imperfectly. Meditate on what pleases him.
If you place your basic trust or faith in the ability of any lawyer, it is misplaced; if you put your trust or faith in YHWH, you can do no better. In all things, remember that Jesus Christ really is LORD.