In today’s world, lawsuits and legal disputes are common, but as followers of Christ, we are called to handle conflicts with wisdom, grace, and biblical principles. The Bible offers clear guidance on resolving disputes, promoting reconciliation, and avoiding unnecessary legal battles. Below are key biblical teachings on lawsuits, including when they are discouraged and how believers should seek peace over conflict.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Judges
Settling Disputes Among Believers
As Christians, we are encouraged to settle disputes within the church rather than resorting to secular courts. God desires unity among His people, and lawsuits between believers can damage relationships and the testimony of the church. Paul teaches that it is better to be wronged than to harm our witness by taking fellow Christians to court. Seeking resolution through godly counsel and reconciliation should always be our priority.
1 Corinthians 6:1
“When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers!”
1 Corinthians 6:7
“Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?”
Matthew 18:15
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”
Proverbs 25:8
“Don’t be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?”
Luke 12:58
“When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison.”
Trusting God’s Justice
Rather than seeking revenge or demanding justice through lawsuits, Christians are called to trust in God’s perfect judgment. The Lord sees every wrong done and promises to repay evil accordingly. Our faith should be in His ability to bring justice rather than relying on human courts to solve every issue. When we entrust our battles to God, we demonstrate our trust in His sovereignty.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 32:35
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.”
Psalm 37:5-6
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
Isaiah 30:18
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”
Forgiveness Over Retaliation
Christians are called to live in a spirit of forgiveness rather than seeking revenge or legal action. Holding grudges and demanding personal justice only leads to bitterness, while forgiving others brings healing and peace. Jesus taught that we should forgive as God has forgiven us, letting go of our need for retribution.
Matthew 6:14
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Romans 12:17
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.”
Seeking Peace and Reconciliation
God calls us to be peacemakers and to live in harmony with others as much as possible. Rather than escalating conflicts through lawsuits, believers should strive for peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding. The Bible teaches that resolving disputes peacefully reflects the love of Christ.
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Matthew 5:9
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
Proverbs 16:7
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.”
Also Read: Bible Verses to Win Court Case
Wealth and Material Possessions
Many lawsuits arise from financial disputes, but Jesus warned against prioritizing wealth over relationships and godly living. The Bible teaches that material possessions are temporary, and it is better to seek contentment rather than fight over money or property. Christians should focus on eternal treasures rather than earthly gains.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said, ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.'”
1 Timothy 6:7
“After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.”
Proverbs 11:4
“Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.”
Matthew 6:19-20
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!”
Submitting to Authority
Although Christians are called to seek peace and avoid unnecessary legal battles, the Bible also teaches that we should respect and submit to governing authorities. Courts and laws are established for justice, and there may be times when legal action is necessary. However, we should always approach the law with wisdom and discernment.
Romans 13:1
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
Titus 3:1
“Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.”
1 Peter 2:13-14
“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.”
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.”
Matthew 22:21
“‘Well, then,’ he said, ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.'”
Jesus as Our Example
Jesus, though wrongfully accused and taken to court, never fought back with legal action. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God and fulfilled His purpose with humility. As Christians, we are called to follow His example—responding to injustice with grace, love, and trust in God’s greater plan.
1 Peter 2:23
“He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.”
Matthew 26:62-63
“Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?’ But Jesus remained silent.”
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Philippians 2:5-7
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”