7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! ~ 1 Corinthians 6:7-8
Paul was correcting a prominent, widespread wrong that was being practiced in the church there in Corinth. They were taking each other to court over big things and over little things. Instead of solving personal disputes, they were using a secular court with a secular judge to solve their problems. Paul said, “Look, just the mere fact that there are lawsuits between you people is proof that you have been defeated by your enemy, the adversary.”
Nowadays, we don’t have lawsuits amongst ourselves in today’s church, but what we do have are feelings being hurt, anger and outbursts of anger, pride and jealousy. We have disunity and division. Just the mere fact that we have these things is living proof that we have been defeated by our mortal enemy, the devil. For Jesus said in John 10:10 that ‘the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.’ Therefore, when anger reigns, and quick-temperedness takes center stage, there is proof that the enemy has come in and has stolen your peace, killed your joy, and destroyed your love.
For love is patient and kind, not easily angered, and never keeps a record of wrongs. So then, when arguments and bickering over little things and over big things become prevalent, it is time to take an evaluation of your love, your shalom peace, and your commitment to follow Jesus and His teaching wholeheartedly.
The Scriptures tell us that we are not our own; we are bought at a price. Therefore, we must honor our owner, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, with our bodies, our thoughts, our actions, and our motives. Instead of getting upset and angry and having a big pop-down row, be the bigger person and take the wrong, and in so doing, you will fulfill the law to love one another, which is the greatest law after loving the LORD our God, with all of our heart, and soul, and mind, and with all of our strength.
So, the next time you are offended, or the next time you are taken advantage of, do what Jesus taught and what the Scriptures teach, take the wrong, even if you are in the right, and love the LORD your God and love your brother.
Father, it is easier said than done, but help us to fulfill the law of love. Help us to honor You with all of our heart, soul, and strength. Be first in our lives, in our speech, and in our actions so that we do not offend Your Spirit with our temperament. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.