1 Corinthians 6:7

‘No already it is altogether a defeat (or ‘defect') for you that you have lawsuits with one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?'

Indeed it demonstrates to the world a spiritual defeat, and is itself a spiritual defeat. For to have lawsuits between Christian brothers before the world is for the world to witness a spiritual defeat, a spiritual defect in one or the other, or both. And to submit oneself and a brother to the world's judgment is also a spiritual defeat, a sign of an inability to deal with the matter in the presence of Christ. In such cases the Gospel has failed to fulfil its potential. And this is made openly apparent to outsiders. Instead of genuinely saying, ‘see how these Christians love one another' with feeling (John 13:34; John 15:12; John 15:17; Romans 13:8; 1Th 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 1Jn 3:23; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 4:11) they will be saying it derisively. Would it not be better to accept the wrong in Christ's name or allow themselves to be defrauded (Matthew 5:39)? Then at least Christ would not be dishonoured.