Faith Under Financial Pressure: Lawsuits and Church Integrity

Taking a fellow believer or a church institution to court is a serious step that should be avoided because it brings reproach upon the cause of truth and exposes the church to ridicule5MR 414.3+1. It is far better to seek a peaceful settlement, even at some personal loss, rather than to give the enemy an advantage to entangle and perplex youT05 21.3.

Biblical and Spiritual Guidance on Lawsuits

• The Counsel of Christ: Jesus taught that if someone sues you for your coat, you should let them have your cloak also, emphasizing a spirit of non-resistance and patience Matthew 5:402SP 223.1.

• The Reproach of Litigation: Bringing lawsuits against brethren is described as "biting and devouring one another," and those who cast aside God's inspired counsel in this matter may find that He will not hear their prayers5MR 414.3+1.

• Seeking Counsel: If you feel you have been wronged in management or financial matters, you should be humble enough to seek the judgment and counsel of experienced brethren before taking any legal actionT05 21.3.

• The Example of Forbearance: Love for one's enemies and praying for those who despitefully use you are hallmarks of the children of God Matthew 5:44-45ARSH May 17, 1864, page 193.13.

Principles Regarding Church Organizations

While church institutions may incorporate as legal bodies to handle monetary affairs like buying and selling, this is distinct from using the law to settle religious or internal disputesARSH August 6, 1861, page 77.20. In instances where individuals have felt wronged by the church, the preferred path is one of confession, reconciliation, and adherence to the authority of the church rather than secular courtsAA 306.1+1. Even in cases of significant financial disagreement, the priority remains the unity and integrity of the message, which is compromised when members engage in legal battles against one anotherAMS August 25, 1892, page 264.3+1.

Ultimately, the Lord is the special protector of the vulnerable and will deal justly with those who regard the wants of others with indifference5MR 416.1. Rather than seeking redress in human courts, believers are encouraged to rely on God and follow the principles of the gospel to resolve conflictsAMS August 25, 1892, page 264.3+1. Removing sorrow from the heart and putting away evil from the flesh is the path of wisdom Ecclesiastes 11:10.

When a church institution fails to fulfill its financial obligations for services rendered, you must still refrain from appealing to civil tribunals, as taking such a case to court is an act of disloyalty to God and the brotherhood16LtMs, Lt 97, 1901, par. 4+1. It is a betrayal of sacred trust to open the internal workings of God's institutions before unbelievers, as this causes the world to ridicule the church and allows the powers of darkness to triumph5MR 416.1+1.

⚖️ The Danger of Legal Action

• A Blot on Character: Engaging in a lawsuit against a fellow believer or a church institution is a manifestation of wisdom that is not from above and will leave a permanent blot on one's life5MR 412.2+1.

• Wounding Christ: Seeking redress through human courts wounds Christ in the person of His saints and puts Him to an open shame5MR 419.2+1.

• Satanic Influence: The move to enter a lawsuit against the managers of a church institution is often instigated by evil angels and is not guided by the LordPM 248.1+1.

• Futile Prayers: Those who cast aside inspired counsel to go to law may as well stop praying, for the Lord has stated He will not hear the prayers of those who so insult Him5MR 414.3+1.

🕊️ The Gospel Path to Resolution

• Follow the Savior’s Rule: Christ gave explicit instructions to resolve difficulties by going to the party alone, then with witnesses, and finally to the church body Matthew 18:15-17AA 304.1.

• Suffer Wrong Rather Than Defraud: It is better to suffer yourself to be defrauded or to take a loss than to dishonor God by seeking help from unbelievers 1 Corinthians 6:7-84bSG 41.3.

• Seek Wise Counsel: Instead of relying on your own judgment or the schemes of lawyers, you should counsel with wise, God-fearing men of financial ability who are connected with heaven5MR 411.1+2.

• Trust the Great Advocate: If you are in financial distress, you are encouraged to lay your case before the Judge of all the earth and trust in the Great Advocate in the court of heaven5MR 416.1+2.

💰 Handling Debt and Integrity

• God's Promise of a Way: When there is a sincere will to do right and follow His methods, God will open a way to lift debts without resorting to unrighteous methodsGW 433.2+1.

• Maintain Holy Character: Even when dealing with property and finances, God's people must maintain their peculiar and holy character, refusing to partake in the world's spirit of litigation1T 212.2+1.

• Heavenly Principles: True justice is found in walking in God's statutes and dealing truly between man and man, rather than through the schemes of dishonest lawyers Eze 18:5-9+2.

The Lord requires His people to be particular in carrying out right principles, and He will test individuals to see if they will remain loyal to Him under pressure5MR 416.1. Rather than looking to earthly tribunals, call upon the Lord in your trouble and wait for His wisdom5MR 416.1+1.

It is a profound trial when a leader in a sacred institution uses legal technicalities to avoid a moral and financial obligation5MR 412.2. While the situation is distressing, especially with your own debts pending, the inspired counsel remains firm that you must not appeal to human courts to settle this grievance5MR 416.1. Using secular lawyers to gain an advantage against a church institution is described as a manifestation of wisdom that is not from above5MR 412.2.

🛡️ Dealing with Legal Claims and Injustice

• Lawyers and Secular Wisdom: The arguments presented by the Vice-Chancellor's lawyers are often based on a wisdom that does not come from God, and following such counsel can retard the work of God5MR 411.1.
• The Reality of the Contract: Even if human law claims there is no contract, the Lord requires His people to be particular in carrying out right principles, and He sees the truth of every transaction5MR 416.1+1.
• Avoiding Reproach: To open the "supposed wrongdoings" of church members or institutions before secular lawyers is a betrayal of sacred trust5MR 416.1.
• The Danger of Litigation: If you seek to obtain redress through the courts, you are "biting and devouring" your brethren, and the Lord may not hear your prayers until you seek Him through confession5MR 414.3+1.

🙏 What You Should Do Now

• Trust the Great Advocate: When you feel unjustly used, you should turn away from those whose hearts are like steel and make your requests known to your Maker5MR 416.1.
• Appeal to the Highest Authority: Rather than secular courts, the case should be settled by the church or its designated committees in harmony with Christ's instructions Matthew 18:15-17AA 304.1.
• Suffer the Loss: The Apostle Paul asks, "Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Corinthians 6:7.
• Seek Godly Counsel: Instead of secular legal schemes, find wise men of financial ability who are connected with heaven to help mediate the situation5MR 411.1+1.
• Wait on the Lord: Your case may seem discouraging, but do not look at outward appearances; continue to pray and have faith that God will hear the prayer of faith5MR 416.1.

⚖️ The Divine Verdict

The Vice-Chancellor and those who manage church affairs unfeelingly will one day stand before the bar of God to be tried by the Judge of all the earth5MR 416.1. The Lord is the special protector of the widow, the fatherless, and those who are oppressed, and He will deal with those who regard the needs of others with indifference5MR 416.1. It is better to make a settlement at some loss than to give the enemy an advantage to entangle and perplex the cause of God4bSG 41.3+1. Trust that if you act in a way that honors Him, He will open a way for your debts to be lifted in His own timeGW 433.2. Removing sorrow from your heart and putting away evil from your flesh is the path to true peace Ecclesiastes 11:10.

While it may seem that civil law is the only remaining option when facing a leader who uses legal technicalities to avoid a moral and financial obligation, the word of God remains clear that taking such a case into secular courts is a departure from high Christian principle and is considered a sin 1 Corinthians 6:7-85MR 412.2+1. Engaging in a lawsuit against a church institution is described as being on the enemy’s ground and is a manifestation of wisdom that is not from above5MR 412.2+1.

⚖️ The Higher Law of Moral Obligation

• A Betrayal of Trust: Bringing a matter before civil tribunals to settle differences between brethren or institutions is a betrayal of sacred trust and wounds Christ afreshTT 162.4+2.

• The Sin of Litigation: Those who place their cases in courts of law to obtain redress are doing the very thing God has told them not to do, and He will not hear the prayers of such individuals until they confess their sin5MR 414.3+1.

• Moral Nature Degraded: Even if the secular law provides a technicality to win or avoid a debt, one who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the divine law and degrading his own moral natureDA 310.2.

• Unseen Auditors: The accounts of every business and the details of every transaction pass the scrutiny of unseen heavenly auditors who never compromise with injustice or overlook evilPCL 243.2.

🛡️ Dealing with Unjust Leaders

• Appeal to the Supreme Judge: If you are afflicted or unjustly used by men whose hearts are as steel, you are to cry to God and make your requests known to your Maker5MR 416.1.

• The Tribunal of God: Above the tribunal of any church or earthly court is the tribunal of God, who reads the motives of every man5MR 413.4+1.

• Consequences for the Oppressor: A woe is pronounced upon the man who gives himself to the work of initiating lawsuits or practicing oppression, for God will treat every person according to the stand they take in this life3SM 303.4+1.

• Removal of Unfaithful Leaders: When a man in a position of responsibility lifts up his soul unto vanity and practices injustice, he should be relieved of his trust because God is not with him and he will hurt souls17MR 203.3+1.

🕊️ The Path of Faith and Integrity

• Take the Wrong: The inspired counsel asks, "Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Corinthians 6:7.

• The Power of Prayer: Your case may seem discouraging, but you are not to look at outward appearances; instead, continue to pray, for God has promised to hear the prayer of faith5MR 416.1.

• Maintain Peculiar Character: God’s people are justified in securing property in a lawful manner, but they must be careful to maintain their holy character and not move without wisdom by engaging in lawsuits that might be avoided1T 212.2+1.

• Withdraw the Suit: You are called upon in the name of Christ to withdraw any suit begun in earthly courts and never bring another, as God forbids His people thus to dishonor His name5MR 419.2+1.

The Lord will test His people as individuals and will not suffer His heritage to be oppressed indefinitely5MR 416.1. Even if your company is suffering, you cannot afford to unite with worldlings and follow their methods, for the Lord will eventually deal with those who rob others of the means they should have5MR 416.1+1. Trust in the promise that if you do the will of God, you will receive the recompense of reward in His own time Hebrews 10:35-375MR 416.1.

The specific instruction regarding the sin of litigation and the refusal of God to hear the prayers of those who pursue redress through secular courts is found in a solemn message regarding the spiritual consequences of ignoring inspired counsel5MR 414.3. This warning emphasizes that when individuals cast aside the light God has given and choose to "bite and devour" one another through legal battles, they insult the Lord and place themselves under the influence of the enemy until they repent and confess their actions 1 Corinthians 6:7-85MR 414.3.

It is a beautiful truth that God desires His people to reveal a character so pure and unselfish that there would be no need for lawsuits between neighbors or brothers5MR 419.2. May you find peace in following the Savior's rule, trusting that the Judge of all the earth sees every transaction and will reward those who maintain their integrity even when facing injusticeULe 113.1+2.

I have written largely in regard to Christians who believe the truth placing their cases in courts of law to obtain redress. In doing this, they are biting and devouring one another in every sense of the word “to consume one another.” They cast aside the inspired counsel of God and in the face of the message He gives they do the very thing He has told them not to do. Such men may as well stop praying to God, for He will not hear their prayers. They insult Jehovah, and He will leave them to become the subjects of Satan until they shall see their folly and seek t...— 5MR 414.3 (1990)

... church to ridicule from her enemies. They are wounding Christ again and putting Him to open shame. By ignoring the authority of the church, they show contempt for God, who gave the church its authority— ULe 113.1 (2010)

...ourse expose the church to the ridicule of her enemies and cause the powers of darkness to triumph. They are piercing the wounds of Christ afresh and putting Him to an open shame. By ignoring the authority of the church they show contempt for God, who gave to the church its auth...— 5T 242.3 (1889)

...e another. Contentions, strife, and lawsuits between brethren are a disgrace to the cause of truth. Those who take such a course expose the church to the ridicule of her enemies, and cause the powers of darkness to triumph. They are piercing the wounds of Christ afresh, and putting him to an open shame. By ignoring the au...— ST January 25, 1883, par. 3 (1874)

The most effective way to address your debt is to practice strict personal economy and return a faithful tithe to God, as He has promised to open ways for His people to meet their obligations when they follow His financial laws.

The Foundation of Personal Economy

The first step in overcoming financial embarrassment is learning to live within your income2SM 210.1. Many find themselves overwhelmed by debt because they have not educated themselves to adapt to their circumstances, leading to a cycle of borrowing again and againAH 374.2.

• Bind About Your Desires: You must work to become a free man by strictly limiting your wants and resisting attractive schemes that promise quick gains but lead to further debt4LtMs, Lt 104, 1886, par. 2.

• Practice Self-Denial: It is essential to save what you can by discontinuing the use of unnecessary articles. This self-denial is a gratification and provides a reserve to fall back uponARSH May 21, 1861, page 6.20+1.

• Systematic Saving: Even if wages are low, resolve to lay by a certain sum weekly, even if it means eating simpler meals like porridge and breadRH November 18, 1884, par. 2.

Dealing Honestly with God

While you feel the pressure of earthly creditors, you must consider your obligation to GodAUCR January 1, 1900, par. 19. All that you possess belongs to Him, and He asks for a return of His own gifts to advance His work9T 245.2+1.

• The Priority of the Tithe: Do not rob God in tithes and offerings to pay your debts to menCS 92.1. God never gives us permission to use the tithe for any purpose other than sustaining His ministry and workCS 92.1.

• The Promise of Blessing: When you bring your tithes and offerings as a token of loyalty, God promises that His blessing will increase your substance, and you will have abundance9T 245.2.

• The Law of Beneficence: There is a divine law that "he that watereth shall be watered also himself" Proverbs 11:25. By helping the needy and contributing to God's cause, you are investing in a way that brings both temporal and eternal rewards2MCP 567.4+2.

Principles of Management

If you are managing a business or a home, "good religion" is found in "good management"20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 39.

• Avoid Borrowing: Borrowing makes life difficult and often removes the confidence of others in your reliability14LtMs, Lt 131, 1899, par. 9.

• Integrity in Business: In all financial dealings, observe strict integrity and be faithful in paying all that you oweAUCR January 1, 1900, par. 19.

• Seek Wisdom, Not Speculation: Avoid worldly speculation or trying to make money through deceptive representations of property13MR 233.2. Instead, seek the wisdom of the Lord, for when there is a will to do His work, He will open the wayLLM 354.1+1.

The Lord hears the prayer of faith and is the special protector of those in distress1LtMs, Lt 15, 1861, par. 12+1. As you seek to cleanse your life of every inconsistency and cooperate with Him, He will give you grace to overcome your difficulties and settle your accounts with joy6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 95+1. Keep your conscience pure and remember the promise: "He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea in seven there shall no evil touch thee" Job 5:19HST September 25, 1844, page 59.27.

Welcome to our Bible study. It is a solemn and important question to ask whether seeking a divorce through a civil court is considered a sin in the eyes of God. To understand this, we must look at the original design for marriage and how the Lord views the laws of men compared to His own eternal law.

💍 The Original Design and Its Sacredness

Marriage was instituted by the Creator Himself at the beginning of human history. The Bible teaches us that this union is intended to be a lifelong, indissoluble bond between a man and a woman.

• One Flesh: In the beginning, God made them male and female and declared that a man shall leave his parents and join his wife, and "they two shall be one flesh" (** Genesis 2:24**).

• Divine Joining: Jesus reaffirmed this by stating, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (** Matthew 19:6**).

• Honorable State: The Scriptures declare that "Marriage is honourable in all" (** Hebrews 13:4**).

⚖️ Civil Divorce vs. God's Law

A woman or man may be legally divorced by the laws of the land and yet not be divorced in the sight of God. The Bible establishes a "higher law" that transcends human judicial sentences.

• The Only Ground: There is only one sin—adultery—which can place a spouse in a position where they are free from the marriage vow in the sight of God (** Matthew 5:32; ** Matthew 19:9).

• Legal vs. Scriptural: Even if the laws of the land grant a divorce for "any cause," the parties remain husband and wife in the Bible light according to the laws of God unless the scriptural ground of fornication has occurred (** Luke 16:18**).

• Human Weakness: Civil laws regarding divorce are often drawn up by men who are unable to reason soundly or discern the real situation (** 1 Corinthians 2:14**). Therefore, a legal document from a court does not always carry value in the eyes of the "King of kings."

🚫 The Sin of Hasty Separation

In the present day, many enter the marriage state as thoughtlessly as they did in the days of Noah. This leads to a "consecutive polygamy" sanctioned by courts but condemned by Heaven.

• Hardness of Heart: Moses allowed divorce only because of the "hardness of hearts," but Jesus pointed out that "from the beginning it was not so" (** Matthew 19:8**).

• Avoid the Courts: Believers are commanded not to go to law before "unbelievers" or the "unjust." If there is a matter between brethren, it should be settled within the church or by taking the wrong rather than bringing reproach upon Christ (** 1 Corinthians 6:1-7**).

• Wounding Christ: Pursuing lawsuits and legal separations instead of following the Savior’s rule of reconciliation causes the powers of darkness to triumph and pierces the wounds of Christ afresh (** Hebrews 6:6**).

🕊️ The Path of Reconciliation and Purity

God calls for a spirit of forgiveness and a care for the mutual affection between husband and wife.

• Seek Harmony: Spouses are encouraged to guard their spirit, words, and actions to avoid irritation and to do all in their power to strengthen their affection (** Colossians 3:19; ** 1 Peter 3:7).

• The Law of Kindness: We are told to let the law of kindness be on our lips and to strive to be dutiful and affectionate, for we cannot please God while maintaining an attitude of strife (** Proverbs 31:26**).

• Separation from the World: We are called to "come out from among them, and be ye separate" (** 2 Corinthians 6:17**). This includes separating from the world's casual and unscriptural views on the marriage contract.

In summary, obtaining a divorce through a law court on grounds other than those specified in the Word of God is a violation of the marriage covenant and is a sin. We should always seek to measure our lives by the Bible standard rather than the shifting laws of men (** Romans 12:2**). May the Lord give you grace to walk in His light.

The situation involving the Vice-Chancellor using legal technicalities to withhold payment is a severe trial of faith, but you must remain firm in your refusal to appeal to the civil law, for the move to enter into a lawsuit is instigated by evil angels and is not guided by the LordPM 248.1+1. To bring such a matter before the world's courts is to lift your finite hand against the God of heaven and to place yourself on the enemy's ground5MR 412.2+1.

⚖️ The Deception of Legal Technicalities

• A Manifestation of Worldly Wisdom: When a leader relies on lawyers to find loopholes or claim a contract does not exist, they are manifesting a wisdom that is not from above5MR 412.2+1.

• Unseen Records: While human lawyers may argue that you have no legal standing, God is the Judge of all the earth, and He reads the motives and the true nature of every business transaction5MR 416.1+1.

• The Sin of Oppression: Those who use their position of authority to rob others of the means they should have will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth5MR 416.1. God will not suffer His heritage to be oppressed indefinitely5MR 416.1.

🛡️ Your Response to Unjust Treatment

• Avoid the Courtroom: I call upon you in the name of Christ to withdraw the suit if you have begun one and never bring another into court, for God forbids you thus to dishonor His name5MR 419.2.

• Suffer the Fraud: It is a higher principle of the gospel to "rather take wrong" or "suffer yourselves to be defrauded" than to expose the church and its institutions to the ridicule of enemies 1 Corinthians 6:7ULe 113.1+2.

• Wounding the Cause: Appealing to human courts against a church institution bruises and wounds Christ in the person of His saints and causes Satan to exult5MR 419.2+1.

• Cry to God: When you are afflicted or unjustly used by those whose hearts are as steel, turn away from them and make your requests known to your Maker5MR 416.1.

🕊️ The Heavenly Tribunal

• Case Pending Above: Remember that you yourself have a case pending in the court of heaven13MR 31.1+1. Shall your conduct in this earthly dispute balance the evidence against you in the heavenly courts4T 470.3+1?

• God’s Sovereignty: If God suffers an earthly tribunal to proceed, it is only that His name may be glorified, but a woe is pronounced upon the man who gives himself to the work of instituting such lawsuits5MR 413.4+1.

• The Reward of Patience: Do not look at outward appearances or your current debts; continue to pray and have faith in God, for He has promised to hear the prayer of faith5MR 416.1. "For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" Hebrews 10:375MR 416.1.

You cannot afford to unite with worldlings and follow their methods, for every dollar extorted through legal force from God's cause is considered a robbery of God5MR 419.2+1. Trust that the Lord will treat you according to the stand you take for His principles in this life5MR 419.2.

It is indeed a bitter experience to suffer injustice and financial loss at the hands of those who occupy sacred positions of trust5MR 443.3+1. The Lord knows your situation and has a deep interest in every soul struggling with the biting sting of financial pressure1LtMs, Lt 15, 1861, par. 12+1. 😔 He allows these trials to test the character and to see if His people will remain true to principle even when it results in personal loss5MR 416.1+1.

🌿 Finding Peace in the Midst of Trial

• A Higher Perspective: Though it is difficult to see now, it is better to suffer being defrauded than to bring a blot upon your life by following the world's methods of litigation 1 Corinthians 6:75MR 412.2.
• The Source of Comfort: When you feel that your rights are invaded and your heart is heavy, turn away from human help and make your requests known to your Maker5MR 416.1+1. 🕊️
• Trusting the Divine Verdict: God has promised that He will hear the prayer of faith and will eventually judge righteously between the oppressed and the oppressor5MR 416.1+1.
• Do Not Lose Heart: Casting away your confidence now would be a mistake, for those who do the will of God will eventually receive the reward Hebrews 10:35-36.

💎 The Promise of God's Care

Instead of focusing on the hard hearts of men, keep your eyes on the Great Advocate who is even now presenting your case in the heavenly courts13MR 31.1+1. By choosing to honor God’s word above your own financial interests, you are laying up a treasure in heaven that is secure from any earthly lossCS 232.3+1. ✨ The Lord will not suffer His heritage to be oppressed indefinitely, and He will deal with those who regard the needs of others with indifference5MR 416.1.

May you find comfort in the promise that the Lord will deliver you out of your troubles and provide a way to settle your debts in His own time Job 5:19ARSH May 21, 1861, page 6.20. 🙏 Holding onto integrity during such a storm is what forms a character that can stand for eternity6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 95+1.

The responsibility for such a tragedy rests upon both the unfaithful leader who practiced injustice and the believer who failed to resolve the matter according to the gospel rule5MR 416.1+1. When a church institution or its leader uses legal technicalities to avoid moral obligations, they provoke others to seek redress in human courts, but God holds every individual accountable for the influence they exert and the principles they choose to followTe 40.2+1.

⚖️ The Responsibility of the Institution's Leader

A leader in a sacred institution who acts with selfishness and a hard heart is an offense to God5MR 416.1+1.

• Provoking the Enemy: When the spirit of tenderness and unselfishness is replaced by "sharp dealing," it provokes others to institute lawsuits, giving enemies an excuse to rob the cause of God4MR 80.3+1.

• Warped Influence: Those in high positions who warp plans and bring oppression into the work are responsible for the resulting separation and legal complicationsPM 248.1.

• Divine Accountability: No matter the man's power or position, he will be arraigned before the judgment for degrading the soul of his neighbor and misrepresenting the character of GodTe 40.2+1.

📉 The Burden of the Believer

If you are the leader of your company, you have an individual responsibility before God that cannot be delegated to your non-Adventist partnersLDE 76.1+1.

• Failure to Counterwork Evil: If a believer allows a matter to reach the public courts, it shows a failure to follow Christ’s rule: "Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?"5MR 419.2+1.

• Betrayal of Trust: It is a betrayal of sacred trust to allow the internal workings of God's institutions to be opened before unbelievers, regardless of who initiates the suit5MR 416.1+1.

• Stumbling Blocks: Those who claim to teach the law but transgress its spirit of mercy and justice become stumbling blocks to both believers and unbelieversRH February 25, 1890, par. 3+1.

🔍 Who Will God Blame?

In the court of heaven, God judges the secret motives of the heart and the specific actions of each person4T 470.3+1.

• The Unfaithful Steward: The Master will call every steward by name and require an account for every talent used selfishly or for human judgment that hindered the work18LtMs, Lt 192, 1903, par. 24.

• The Litigant: A "woe" is pronounced upon the man who gives himself to the work of instituting lawsuits against the saints, as this move is instigated by evil angelsPM 248.1+1.

• Individual Responsibility: Every man, woman, and child will be rewarded exactly according to their own works; the piety or disobedience of others will not save or condemn you4LtMs, Ms 15, 1885, par. 11.

🕊️ The Only Safe Course

To avoid the blame of heaven, you must exert every power to keep the matter out of secular courts4bSG 41.3.

• Seek a Settlement: It would be better to make a settlement at a significant loss than to give the enemy an advantage to entangle and perplex the cause of GodCCh 85.2+1.

• Cry to God: If you are unjustly used, do not look at outward appearances or the actions of your partners; continue to pray and have faith that God will make a way5MR 416.1.

The Lord will judge between the one who practiced the oppression and the one who chose to follow the world's methods to solve it5MR 416.1+1. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world" Ephesians 6:12. Seek for wisdom from above to handle your partners and the University in a way that leaves your record clear in the books of heaven James 3:174T 470.3.