— “Christians do not fight for revenge, but they do stand for justice.”
📖 Summary
The Bible forbids lawsuits driven by revenge,
but allows legal action pursued for justice, protection, and truth.
Believers are called to seek peace within the church first,
yet also to uphold righteousness in society through proper means.
Thus:
- Revenge lawsuits = unbiblical,
- Justice-based actions = permissible.
1️⃣ Introduction | “Aren’t lawsuits unchristian?”
Many believers think,
“Christians shouldn’t go to court.”
“We should forgive, not sue.”
But Scripture distinguishes between motives:
God forbids revenge, not justice.
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation
📘 1 Corinthians 6:1–7 (ESV) — Church disputes belong within the church.
📘 Romans 12:19 (ESV) — Leave vengeance to God.
📘 Romans 13:1–4 (ESV) — Government is God’s servant for justice.
📘 Acts 22:25 (ESV) — Paul asserted his legal rights.
📘 Luke 18:7 (ESV) — God hears those who cry for justice.
→ Love and justice are not opposites.
3️⃣ Theological Insights
📜 John MacArthur — The Christian and Government
“Christians do not reject law; they redeem its purpose—for justice, not revenge.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — The Holiness of God
“God’s holiness demands justice, not mere tolerance.”
📜 John Piper — Love Your Enemies
“Love does not ignore evil; it resists evil righteously.”
📜 Augustine — City of God
“Civil law, rightly used, preserves peace as God intended.”
📜 Westminster Confession, Ch. 23 (Civil Magistrate)
“God ordains lawful governments to reward good and restrain evil.”
4️⃣ False Views vs. Biblical Truth
| False View | Problem | Biblical Truth |
|---|---|---|
| “Christians must never sue.” | Legalism | Justice is part of obedience (Rom 13:1–4). |
| “Forgiveness replaces justice.” | Ignores protection | Forgive, but pursue righteousness (Luke 18:7). |
| “Law is secular.” | Dualism | Law is God’s instrument (Rom 13:1). |
| “Lawsuits show weak faith.” | Spiritual pride | Even Paul used legal rights (Acts 22:25). |
5️⃣ Practical Discernment
1️⃣ Motive Check — Is it revenge or restoration?
2️⃣ Alternatives — Has reconciliation been tried?
3️⃣ Severity — Is it criminal or socially harmful?
4️⃣ Impact — Will it glorify God or cause scandal?
✅ Biblically Justifiable Cases
- To protect victims of crime or violence
- To stop fraud or defamation
- To preserve justice and lawful order
- To protect others from ongoing harm
The motive must always be justice under God, not self-vindication.
6️⃣ Conclusion
Christians are called to forgive personally,
but also to uphold truth publicly.
Silence in the face of injustice is not holiness—it is cowardice.
Use the law when it protects others and honors God.
“Christians fear not the courtroom of men,
but the judgment seat of God.” — Revito
Faith. Justice. Discernment. — Revito
🔖 Hashtags
#ChristianLawsuits #BiblicalJustice #1Corinthians6 #Romans13 #Acts22 #Luke18 #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #Augustine #WestminsterConfession #ReformedTheology #FaithJusticeDiscernment #Revito
