25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25-26 (ESV)
Expand to legal relationships
Jesus now expands his discussion to legal relationships. Yesterday He talked about reconciliation with others you have offended. The reconciliation was with the person but the implication is on our relationship with the Lord. Now he moves to the legal realm, and, seemingly, outside the family of God.
Legal reconciliation
Here’s some practical advice against lawsuits: settle out of court. Before your case is judged, in whatever fashion, seek to reconcile. If you’re not able to, the cost will be greater – especially in today’s litigious society. Anyone who’s been in a civil court case can testify. Marriages that break up become nasty in court – especially when greed sets in.
This particular example refers to a creditor, which is why the “paid the last penny” is used. “It here means a creditor; a man who has a just claim on us.” (Barnes’ commentary) Paul will later expand on this with the Corintians (1 Cor 6:6,7) and admonish them for doing this very thing and tarnish the name of Christ. They were taking each other to court in front of non-believers.
Key behind reconciliation
The key behind the reconciliation is humility along with a desire to live in harmony and be responsible. In almost any court case, the two parties disagree on some matter. If we can humble ourselves and trust the Lord to forgive us for our wrong and protect us from being taken advantage of, we’ll be better off.
RЯeflection
- Are you, by chance, approaching a court case or in one now? Consider taking steps now to reconcile. There are arbitration organizations that can help. From what I’ve heard, it’s much better than a courtroom situation and can provide a binding resolution.
