If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?

 2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?

 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 

4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?

 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 

6 But instead, one brother takes another to court – and this in front of unbelievers!

7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 

8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. 

forgiveness, and hope.

  Witness: How does the way I handle conflict — in family, work, or church life — reflect (or distort) the gospel I profess to believe?

  Grace: Where might God be inviting me to “lose” for the sake of love — to yield a right, absorb a wrong, or extend forgiveness — so that Christ is honoured?

  Identity: Paul reminded the Corinthians, “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified.” How might remembering my new identity in Christ reshape the way I respond to disputes, disappointments, or divisions?