What does 1 Corinthians 6:7 mean?

Paul has been clear that Christians must not take each other to secular court over minor disputes. His concern is not over blatant criminal actions or gross felonies (1 Corinthians 6:1–2). Rather, his concern is that believers not subject themselves to the judgments of unspiritual people (1 Corinthians 2:14–15), when believers are destined to judge even the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)! He is also, likely, concerned over the damage such petty lawsuits can do to the name of Christ (1 Peter 2:12). Unless the concern is overtly criminal or heinous (Romans 13:1), believers should not involve secular judgment.

That leads to an important question: what if the issues fits the "trivial" description, but the other party is not willing to come to a reasonable agreement with the help of wise people in the church? Paul gives a simple answer: lose.

The reason for this relates to what Paul has already said about dragging fellow Christians into a secular court. For believers who are supposed to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the very act of doing battle in a secular court over a minor dispute is already a defeat. Whomever "wins," both lose in any way which really matters. Worse, the reputation of the church and of Christ Himself will be damaged in the surrounding community. Even worse, both parties will have demonstrated how little value they place on Christ's commands to love and serve one another.

So, Paul writes, why not lose one battle instead of both? Why not willingly suffer whatever injustice is at hand? Why not be cheated for the cause of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10) instead of squabbling to get what is rightfully coming to you? This would be a far better outcome for everyone involved, including the "loser."

Paul's teaching here is hard to take. It grinds against our sense of fairness and justice. All the same, it is a direct application of the teaching and example of Christ. He scandalized those following Him by telling them not to retaliate when they were wronged, and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:38–48), then He did exactly that at the crucifixion.

It's not unreasonable to expect better treatment from fellow believers than from our spiritual "enemies." Yet, it is essential that we love each other and trust God to provide justice for us. That is far more valuable and beneficial than going to battle before secular judges to try to get it for ourselves.

We should keep in mind that Paul is writing about a presumably minor dispute, such as a civil case (1 Corinthians 6:2). He's not prohibiting the involvement of government or courts in cases of gross violation, wrongdoing, or crime. Scripture clearly teaches Christians to submit to human authorities (Romans 13:1). We are neither permitted nor allowed to hide sinful criminal activity from the secular world.