Christians and Lawsuits: What Does the Bible Say?

Christians and Lawsuits: What Does the Bible Say?

In today’s culture, lawsuits are common—sometimes seen as the only way to resolve disputes. Yet Scripture calls believers to a radically different path. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 and Paul’s rebuke in 1 Corinthians 6 paint a picture of humility, peace, and forgiveness that clashes with the courtroom mentality. For Christians, lawsuits are not the path of righteousness—they are a sign that something has already gone terribly wrong.

Jesus on Retaliation and Peace

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks directly against the spirit of retaliation that fuels lawsuits:

Matthew 5:38–40 (NASB):“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also.”

Here, Jesus does not call His followers to fight for every right. He calls them to willingly lay them down. If someone sues you, Jesus says, yield rather than escalate. This is not weakness—it is witness. It reflects trust in God’s justice rather than man’s courts.

Paul’s Rebuke of Corinthian Believers

The church in Corinth had allowed internal disputes to spill out into public courts. Paul’s rebuke is blistering:

1 Corinthians 6:1, 6–7 (NASB):“Does any one of you, when he has a case against another, dare to be tried before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? … But brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers! Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?”

Paul says lawsuits between believers are not just unfortunate—they are already a defeat. Even if you “win,” you lose, because you’ve undermined the witness of the gospel before the world.

The Biblical Principle: Better to Suffer Wrong

Both Jesus and Paul set the bar high: it is better to suffer wrong than to compromise the witness of Christ through vengeance or lawsuits.

• “Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” (Romans 12:17–18, NASB)

• “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NASB)

The Christian call is not to get even—it is to endure wrong and respond with grace.

What About Justice?

This does not mean Christians should never pursue justice. Scripture affirms the role of governing authorities in punishing wrongdoing (Romans 13:1–4, NASB). Civil courts exist for the ordering of society. But for Christians, the distinction is this:

• Seeking public justice for crimes is one thing.

• Seeking personal retaliation or gain is another.

The former belongs to God’s appointed authorities. The latter has no place in the life of a disciple.

Christian History and Witness

The early church understood this. Instead of running to courts or demanding their rights, Christians endured suffering, persecution, and loss—entrusting themselves to the righteous Judge. Tertullian, in the 2nd century, noted that Christians “love one another” so well that even pagans marveled. This love was proven not in lawsuits, but in forgiveness.

Application for Today

• Within the church: Disputes should be handled through prayer, mediation, and biblical discipline (Matthew 18:15–17, NASB).

• In personal conflicts: Be willing to absorb loss for the sake of Christ’s witness.

• In public witness: Show the world a better way—the way of peace, mercy, and trust in God’s justice.

Conclusion

Christians are not called to win arguments in court but to bear witness in love. Jesus taught us to yield rather than retaliate. Paul told us it is better to be wronged than to shame the gospel before unbelievers. The Christian call is clear: lawsuits are not the path of discipleship. True victory is not in the courtroom, but in the cross—where wrongs are absorbed, debts are forgiven, and love triumphs over every loss.