1 Corinthians 6:7 NASB1995 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 is speaking of having a lawsuit against a brother or sister in Christ. Why would we rely on a judge or a jury that consists of unbelievers to decide what is right? When we are part of a body of believers who use the word of God to discern right and wrong.
It makes no sense to rely on people who don't trust the truth to judge the truth.
Paul says when we do this we have already suffered defeat!
We are defeated because our witness suffers.
Jesus told the man who had been set free from the legion of demons. Mark 5:19b NASB95 “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.”
What does our witness say when we rely on the world instead of God? Jesus said go and tell what the Lord has done.
We are defeated because we are not showing love for our brother or sister in Christ. Our concern is clearly for our well-being and not theirs. John 13:35 NASB95 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This also takes us back to our witness.
We are defeated because we are not showing faith in God, or our brother or sister that has declared faith as well.
We have diminished our faith. Romans 1:12 NASB95 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Brothers and sisters in Christ should encourage one another by correction of sin and assistance in discipleship. Growing in each other's faith not tearing down the others.
We are defeated because we are not striving in the peace provided by the Prince of Peace.
Living a life seeking peace as children of God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9 NASB95 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
When we seek solutions between Christians in the world we are stating that the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are not sufficient or powerful enough to bring about the promises of God.
However, what do we do when a brother or sister refuses to seek guidance inside the Body of Christ?
The answer is found in the rest of the verse. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
It is better to suffer wrong and forgive than to seek vengeance. Romans 12:19 NASB95 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
Remember you are a sinner as well. 1 Corinthians 6:8 NASB95 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.
But you were forgiven by God, so like God, forgive them. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NASB95 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
It has been said
It is better to suffer and forgive than to seek restitution that will injure your own peace, and greatly dishonor the cause of God.
Love Bro. Scott