When Paul told the Corinthian Christians not to take each other to court, he:

• agreed that we should resolve our differences as soon as possible. Jesus Himself commanded us to lose no time in being reconciled with other Christians (Mt 5:24-25).
• disagreed that we should ask non-Christians instead of the Church to help us resolve our differences (1 Cor 6:5). Paul maintained that even a divided, confused church like the Corinthian church could often help its members be reconciled.
• maintained that it was better to suffer injustice rather than take the chance of harming our brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ (1 Cor 6:6-7).
• insisted that Christians not jeopardize their evangelistic outreach by "washing their dirty laundry" before unbelievers (see 1 Cor 6:6).

In summary, to have the mind of Christ (see 1 Cor 2:16), we need to think first of the importance of the Church, the immediate need of reconciliation, the priority of Christian brotherhood, and the commission to evangelize. We will willingly suffer injustice if this is best for the Church's unity and mission. Think Christian.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002