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? ~ 1 Cor 6:7
Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth is a laundry list of items that needed to be addressed. There were a host of problems—divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, licentiousness, theft, drunkenness, gluttony, class warfare, idol worship, etc.
Throughout the book, Paul deals with these issues one at a time. However, all his answers are connected with his very first statements to them in 1:18. There, the apostle deals with the ‘word of the cross’, or the Gospel, and begins to unfold the implications of the cross for daily life.
Particularly, Paul makes it clear that the way of the cross—that is, following in the footsteps of Christ—means being willing to turn from all that the world holds dear. Following Jesus is an exercise in death—to self, the world, sin, personal rights, etc.
Death in law
When Paul comes to chapter 6, he takes up the issue of lawsuits between believers. He rebukes the church for their defeat because suits had already been taken up before unbelieving judges.
His appeal to the church at that moment comes with a stunning statement in the form of two questions—why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
Paul’s point in these questions is to call the church in Corinth back to the path of the cross. His point is to say that they should be wronged and defrauded RATHER than go to court.
Paul upends the value system of the world that says to fight for what is yours. Instead, the Christian would rather be wronged and defrauded than to demand his or her rights at any cost. The Christians should choose to die to those personal rights and expectations for justice, and instead accept being wronged.
Jesus first
Now, if you’ve ever been wronged in this way, it’s quite painful. Losing what is rightfully yours, being treated unjustly, or being defrauded means losing out on all the benefits that you deserve.
And yet, Paul says a Christian would rather choose those things, than to defame the name of Christ publicly.
Why?
Simply because Jesus is the greatest benefit of all, and His glory is our greatest treasure. Losing all that we have to injustice is nothing compared to bringing shame on the name of Christ.
The Christian chooses shame and suffering first, RATHER than hurt the name of His greatest treasure and friend.
