Christ Commands

Scripture

Primary passage

Luke 12:57–59

57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will by no means get out of there until you have paid the very last penny.”

Primary passage · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Judge what is right and make an earnest effort to resolve a legitimate dispute before consequences harden in court.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Jesus presses hearers to discern the urgency of their situation through the image of an unresolved claim moving toward judgment.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms responsible people who face wrongdoing early, seek just resolution, and do not presume consequences will disappear.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Identify one legitimate unresolved obligation. Gather the facts, seek counsel if needed, and make a concrete good-faith proposal before escalation.

Discuss

Talk about it.

What prevents timely settlement—pride, denial, fear, or an unwillingness to accept responsibility?

Pray

Pray this.

God of justice, help us judge rightly, own what is ours, and pursue honest resolution before harm increases.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Do not pressure vulnerable people into unsafe private settlement; legal advice, documentation, and protection may be necessary for serious harm.

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