Occasionally people ask my opinion on various personal or church issues. I recently received the following question which I have reprinted below, followed by my response.

QUESTION

Mr. Russell, 

I’m curious if it’s ever right for Christians to sue others?  My wife’s mother, step-father, and a passenger were killed when their car struck a piece of construction equipment being operated on a county road after dark.  My wife’s step-father’s family, along with the passenger’s late husband, have chosen to sue the construction company.  Some of my wife’s family is urging us to participate in the lawsuit.  My wife and I see no benefit in suing.  We don’t need the money, and our family wouldn’t have received anything had they died of natural causes.  Plus, we see no purpose in further punishing the man who was driving the equipment.   What are your thoughts?

MY ANSWER

You are to be commended for asking this question. Most people, even Christians, automatically jump at the chance to make money through lawsuits…some legitimate, some frivolous. I appreciate your spirit and your expressed desire to do what God would have you do.

There are several Biblical principles to take into consideration:

1) Christians have a right to use the court system to seek justice. The Bible says, “The authorities that exist have been established by God” and, a government ruler “is God’s servant to do you good.” (See Romans 13:1-7.) The Apostle Paul defended himself in a Roman court. When falsely accused he appealed to Caesar for justice.

There are dishonest people who refuse to do what they have promised to do unless there is a threat of legal action. Years ago, our family was in a severe automobile accident. The injuries resulted in considerable hospital and medical bills. The insurance company that was liable refused to pay even the basic expenses in spite of open communication. Not until a lawyer friend sent the company a threatening letter did they respond and agree to settle the matter out of court. I don’t think the insurance company would have ever responded without the threat of legal action.

2) We are commanded not to sue another Christian. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 the Apostle Paul instructed his readers that if complex legal disputes arose between Christians, they should appoint a mediator in the church and accept the arbiter’s decision. That avoids embarrassing the Kingdom of God and preserves the unity of the church. It also eliminates expensive legal fees and most likely would result in a fairer decision.  Sadly, I see this principle violated a lot. Christians don’t trust the church mediators, or they take the advice of secular friends and wind up wounding the body of Christ.

3) As followers of Christ, we should be willing to be wronged and leave justice up to God.  “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters” (1 Corinthians 6:7-8). Jesus instructed us to turn the other cheek. And Romans 12:17-19 urges us, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.’”

4) Greed should not be our motive for suing. The Scripture repeatedly warns against greed and covetousness. The litigious nature of our society is such that people are looking to get rich off a significant tragedy or a slight insult. People often insist, “It’s not the money: it’s justice. I want to make sure this doesn’t happen again to someone else.” If that’s true, then pledge to give all the money from the settlement to a deserving Christian organization. It’s my observation that seldom, if ever, happens because…it’s about the money.

5) Do your best to avoid the courts.  Courts can’t be trusted. Decisions are delayed. Lawyers are expensive. Friendships are destroyed. Judges are human. Your attention is diverted for prolonged periods of time.

That’s why Jesus said, “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny” (Matthew 5:25-26).

As horrible and heartbreaking as the accident that took the lives of your family members was, I think you are wise to drop the matter.  A lawsuit can prolong grief and result in increased bitterness.  Some may criticize your decision, but I think you are providing a positive witness to your friends and relatives that your lives have a very different priority.

Jesus promised, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

– Bob

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