Is there ever a righteous time for a disciple of Jesus to bring a lawsuit against someone, whether or not the other person is a disciple? I looked at Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount and also looked at Romans 12:17, and it seems to me that if someone wrongs us, we are called to forgive and trust that God will take care of the situation. I appreciate any advice you have. --Jasmine Hauser
Thanks for your question. There are three basic positions on this.
1) Christians can sue, but they must not sue other Christians. This is based on 1 Corinthians 6.
2) Christians can sue whomever they feel entitled to sue. This is the world's default position.
3) Christians cannot sue. This is based on Matthew 5, taken literally and extended to all relationships.
Most Christians I know hold position (1), though a small minority hold position (3). Study the matter and make your own decision. I have seen Christians actually suing other Christians. It is ugly indeed, and definitely not biblical, in my opinion.
