The Christian Perspective

There are many Bible verses supportive of and, in fact, considered by many to read as commandments for the use of non-litigation methods to solve disputes. One that is well known throughout the Christian Church is Matthew 18:15-20.

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. [negotiation] If he listens, you have won a brother over. If he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. [mediation] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen to the church [arbitration] treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.

Simply stated, Christians abiding in Christ should not engage in secular litigation, if that process can reasonably be avoided. (Matt. 5:25) Moreover, the prudence of counting or comparing the cost involved in any action to other alternatives is well demonstrated in Luke 14:28-31.

There are many other Bible verses that also address or provide inferences pertaining to dispute situations. Examples, though not exhaustive, include:

• Col. 3:12-13 - clothe ourselves with compassion; forgive grievances
• Col. 3:8-10 - rid ourselves of anger, rage; do not lie
• Matt. 5:23-24 - go and reconcile with your brother
• Heb. 12:14-15 - pursue peace with everyone
• Rom. 12:17-21 - do not repay evil with evil; be at peace with everyone
• Phil. 2:3-4 - do not look only to your own interests, but also to interests of others
• 1 Cor:1:10 - we are urged to agree with one another and have no divisions
• 2 Cor. 5:17-21 - to have a ministry of reconciliation in harmony with God
  

Whether a dispute is strictly between Christians, strictly between non-Christians or a combination of both, the guidelines of the Bible as well as the procedures set forth in this treatise are worth using. Non-litigation resolution is not only effective and efficient; it's also a Christ-directed approach to resolving differences and disagreements.