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1 Corinthians 6:1-6
In 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 the Apostle Paul brings to light another issue he has been informed of in the church at Corinth. The people are settling their disputes in the secular courts. The issue here is that in Paul’s view of the secular courts is found to be dishonest gain and unfair judgments. He cannot believe that respectable Christians who are to hold honesty close to their hearts are not settling their disputes from within God’s guidance in the church.
This is a command and example to seek guidance from our Christian brothers and sisters to settle disputes.
As Christians, we are to hold truth, honesty, and sincerity close to our hearts. If we do this we should also be able to possess an understanding of right and wrong. As we seek guidance from God with a forgiving heart, we too should portray this attitude in our lives. This includes stepping up to admit when we are wrong. The Bible teaches us about things that are reflective of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV) stating, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like: of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” But God does not stop here, the Bible also teaches us the fruit of the Spirit as God has given to live within us and guide us as is continued in Galatians 5:22-26, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” As I read Galatians 5:22-26 a sense of calm came over me – a sense of relief. Paul says, “Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:23b). That means that there is no limit as to how much of these you are allowed to exhibit in our lives. Let this be our striving path to follow – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
We all know that times have changed since the time in which Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth, but the point is that we are to seek reconciliation with one another as Christians. We are to be forgiving of one another and seek to live together in harmony, which we all know is hard to find in the world today. But we also know that You can give us harmony within us through Your Holy Spirit and Comforter living within us. Please let it be so LORD and help us to bring harmony to our lives and our relationships – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.