Advice/Opinion: Is it ok to fight/argue/sue?

[JohnP]

I don't think there's a right answer to this, but I'd like the opinion of the folks here who really walk the walk. Do you think it's ok to complain or fight? For example, if you're wronged, do you "do all things without complaining or arguing" or do you complain and argue? If you're wronged in a financial transaction, do you fight and sue or do you let God do the fighting? I know a lot of people will say these are really dumb questions, but I think about biblical examples like Joseph who was accused of seducing his boss's wife. I think he quietly went to jail. Daniel was wrongly accused and he quietly went along instead of arguing of the injustice.

What do you guys / gals of faith do when you're wronged? Do you fight with your human ability or do you "let God do your fighting"?

[mossy]

When i was a believer, god never fought for me. If i am wronged i take the necessary steps to make it right. I don't argue or make trouble in public though, i will take the person aside and have a calm talk with the person. Usually that's all it takes. Otherwise if legal action is needed then that's what happens.

[Barang]

If my child is suspended for mentioning Jesus in school, I'll sue them.
If my brother/sister owes me $5,000 (for example) and refuse to pay me back. If suing them will bring shame to the family, I'd rather be wronged.
Next time they barrow, I'll send to the bank or pawn shop.

[Lineman101]

[bsim]

Condensing a story that I cannot cite the verses, but essentially, there was a cripple at the baths that asked Jesus to help him to the water. Jesus said "Get up, and go by yourself"...

So, we have means to get the results. We need to take our own initiative sometimes and not wait for God to "fix" all things. That's what prayer is for - to help us determine what's within our means, and what we leave to God to settle.

[JohnP]

thank you for the replies. great things to think about. as i predicted, there are good points on either side. sometimes i sure wish God had a cell phone number so i could call him and ask. So far, prayer is just teaching me patience and a lot of humility.

Right now, i'm leaning towards letting God fight for me. i know that makes me a giant chump or a coward in the world's eyes. i am not sure what it makes me in God's eyes.

[Cowboy T]

Luke 11_21 (underscores used because colons resulted in a smiley):

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe."

And several references listed here at http://www.biblicalselfdefense.com/.

So, I'd say when you're wronged, it's OK to defend yourself. Not to attack others or seek revenge ("improperly resorting to the sword"), but rather to defend yourself. That includes financially, meaning seeking proper restitution according to the law. That's what the courts and other legal institutions (e. g. lawsuits) are for.

No, I'm not a Christian anymore. That doesn't mean the Bible doesn't have a lot of good advice, though, worth reading.

[Untamed1972]

I often look at such things purely from the standpoint of:

1) what is my desired outcome?

2) Is my desired outcome reasonably attainable?

3) Is my desired outcome worth the energy/hassle/expense/frustration to attain.

Most often people are just seeking revenge, or looking to sooth their ego. Not that they were not wronged, but often the underlying emotion is that of being angry at yourself for trusting someone you knew better than to trust. And you think if: "If I can get them to apologize, or get my money back then I wont have to feel like an idiot." But guess what......for all the hassle you'll put yourself threw, when you win, that feeling will still be there. If it's smaller amounts of money that you loaned to a friend, sometimes you'll just be better off to accept the loss as the cost of a good lesson and learn to make better choices in the future.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself....not the wrong doer. Forgiveness is not condoning what they did or saying it was ok or you deserved it. It's simply saying: "I'm choosing to let it go and not carry it anymore."

[Flintlock Tom]

I often look at such things purely from the standpoint of:

1) what is my desired outcome?

2) Is my desired outcome reasonably attainable?

3) Is my desired outcome worth the energy/hassle/expense/frustration to attain.

Most often people are just seeking revenge, or looking to sooth their ego. Not that they were not wronged, but often the underlying emotion is that of being angry at yourself for trusting someone you knew better than to trust. And you think if: "If I can get them to apologize, or get my money back then I wont have to feel like an idiot." But guess what......for all the hassle you'll put yourself threw, when you win, that feeling will still be there. If it's smaller amounts of money that you loaned to a friend, sometimes you'll just be better off to accept the loss as the cost of a good lesson and learn to make better choices in the future.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself....not the wrong doer. Forgiveness is not condoning what they did or saying it was ok or you deserved it. It's simply saying: "I'm choosing to let it go and not carry it anymore."

Well said!

[eb47]

thank you for the replies. great things to think about. as i predicted, there are good points on either side. sometimes i sure wish God had a cell phone number so i could call him and ask. So far, prayer is just teaching me patience and a lot of humility.

Right now, i'm leaning towards letting God fight for me. i know that makes me a giant chump or a coward in the world's eyes. i am not sure what it makes me in God's eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuGe6aoIA6I