Scripture: 1st Corinthians 6:1
When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints?
Thought for the Day: What if all Christians chose to take their disagreements to the great witnesses of the faith instead of the court system? We tend to like lawsuits in this country, yet Paul encourages the members of the faith community to deal with their most difficult disagreements by seeking the advice of the saints within the faith community. Of course, this reference to the saints indicates that not all saints are dead. Scripture uses the title to describe both the living and the dead who have demonstrated the depth of their faithfulness through acts of great sacrifice. They have been able to rise above selfishness and conceit to reveal the Gospel of love. Those who were not martyred, according to Paul, would make excellent arbitrators in times of disagreement. I imagine these folks would come to their decision, not based upon the letter of the law, but what is best for the community and its ongoing mission of proclaiming the Gospel of grace and mercy.
Prayer: God of mercy and grace, allow me to hear and respect the insights of those whose lives have mirrored the life of Jesus. Amen.
