The Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthian believers
not to go to court against each other for litigation (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Because if believers do not forgive each other and resolve their differences themselves, then they are exhibiting spiritual defeat. Why should anyone become a Christian if believers have the same problems and are unable to solve them? But then again, there are some events that are the proper course of action to file a case against someone. If the biblical model of reconciliation is followed (Matthew 18:15-17) and the offending group is still wrong, then in some cases it is justified to file a lawsuit. This should only be done after much prayer with wisdom (James 1:5) and consultation with spiritual leaders.
The full context of 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 deals with the resolution of church disputes, but Paul is not referring to the absolute judgment process here, when he speaks of the judgment of things pertaining to this life. What Paul is saying is that the process of judgment is meant to exist for the subjects of this life which are subjects outside the church. The problems of the church should not be taken to the judicial process but should be judged within the church itself.
In Acts chapters 21-22 Paul talks about being arrested and falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. The Roman seized him and “Then the commander said to the soldiers, ‘Take Paul to the military building,’ and he ordered the soldiers to beat him and examine him. He hoped that by doing this he would find out why the people were crying out against him like this. So the soldiers tied Paul up to beat him. But Paul said to the military officer standing there, ‘Does a Roman citizen have the right to flog you without proof of guilt?'” (22:24-25). Paul used Roman law and his citizenship to protect himself. There is nothing wrong in using the court process, as long as it is done with the right intentions and with a pure heart.
Paul further admonishes, “It is your loss to bring cases against one another. Why not suffer injustice? Why not deceive yourselves” (1 Corinthians 6:7). What Paul is concerned about here is the testimony of believers. It is not good for us to suffer harm, even abuse, rather than turn a man/woman away from Christ by going to court. What is more important – a legal battle or a battle for a person’s eternal life?
In short, should Christian believers take each other to court over church matters? Not at all! Should Christian believers take each other to court over civil matters? If at all avoided doing so, then not. Should Christians take Gentiles to court for civil matters? Once again, if there is any way to avoid doing this, then no. But again, in some cases, such as for the protection of our rights (as found in the example of the Apostle Paul), it would be appropriate that we take the help of legal solutions.