The Lawful Marsh , Part Two

And the longer we are in the swamp, the more our angle starts to pong. This is particularly true when we decide to press the issue from an exactly legal viewpoint.

Even if we win the case, we do not walk away humble and thankful.

Why? As we “got what we had coming to us. It occurred to me ( thanks to a judicious message I once heard from my mate Ray Stedman ) that when folk receive what they merit, they’re stole of the excitement of gratitude.

rather than being politely grateful, they’re either resentful that they did not get more ( or they did not get it earlier ) or they’re conceited because they were given their way. From start to end the process is a grim, sour, analytical battle of wills. And even if it ends—the offense is still there. Momentary mirth may happen as the “spoils of victory” are divided, but while the head swells, the heart toughens.

Did you know what process God prefers? Have you considered recently what he is saying about the correct way to solve our disputes? Do you need to understand His plan for healing offenses? Permit me:. Does any one of you, when he has got a case against his neighbour, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? So if you have law courts working with matters of this life, do you designate them as judges who are of no account in the church? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there’s not among you one sensible man who will be in a position to decide between his brethren, but bro goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? In fact then, it is a defeat for you, that you have court actions with each other. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? To the contrary, you yourselves wrong and deceive. Rejoice with people who rejoice, and weep with people who weep. Be of the same mind toward each other ; don’t be haughty under consideration, but associate with the lowly. Respect what’s right in the look of all blokes. If feasible, as far as it relies on you, be at peace with all men. Let all resentment and rage and fury and commotion and slander be put away from you, together with all malice. Be kind to each other, merciful, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. What a radical approach, but what a better plan. Now it will not come naturally, nor is it able to be implemented with a stubborn will and a proud spirit. An eagerness to listen, to agree, to yield, to admit, to pardon, to submit, to release, to forget, then to go on. Actually , to permit the other person to have something she or he doesn’t merit.

But, you see, that is what brings about the enjoyment of gratitude.

When that occurs, modesty replaces pride. Rights are far less vital given a healed relationship.