By: Juliet Constantine

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:25-26)

Carelessness in attending to serious or petty matters immediately will cost us big in the long haul. For example: debts left unsettled for long periods of time will incur very significant interests and charges that will have our eyes pulping out. It costs so much to challenge a matter. Hence it is good advice to settle it quickly.

In His wisdom, Jesus instructed His hearers to settle matters quickly and efficiently with their enemies, avoiding dragging disputes into drawn-out court procedures. This was practical Christianity for everyday living. As was customary then, people would bring their dispute before judges who would rule one way or another. Some of these judges were unfair and unjust, regarding neither God nor man, and sometimes equity was absent. Settling civil matters swiftly among those involved would be better for all parties, and the work of evangelizing would not be impeded.

Jesus’ instructions to His hearers are very much applicable to us today. Settling matters quickly can be cost effective. We have been taught conflict resolution and mediation skills. If those fail, the next option is the legal system-- which should be treated as a last resort.

For claims settlement, under English Law, Part 36 Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (as amended), a defendant can place their opponent at risk of incurring additional costs and financial penalties by making a formal offer to settle a claim. This action is called a “Part 36 Offer”. A Part 36 offer, or payment into court, is a tactical step and can be made before or after proceedings have commenced. The defendant will use this to pressurize the claimant into early settlement rather than proceeding to a hearing. It is then up to that claimant to decide whether the Part 36 offer or payment is sufficient to compensate for the loss or injury sustained.

If the claimant refused, the matter is proceeded with. Where the court awards a higher amount than that Part 36 offer or payment, the claimant will get the larger sum plus legal costs, which may be assessed at a higher rate of interest. Where the court awarded a lower or similar amount than was paid into court: the claimant will get the lower amount; all legal fees (up to the time the Part 36 offer or payment was made); and where it seems fair, the court may also order the claimant to pay the legal costs of the defendant.

In light of the above, it is for this and similar reasons why Jesus taught that we are to settle matters quickly. It is best to settle matters among ourselves and avoid the Law coming into ‘play’. When we strive to resolve it privately, or through mediation if absolutely necessary, we stand a better chance of resolving it amicably. In addition, we may have our rights and lose out in a court battle. Do you have outstanding matters to be settled? If you do, it’s in your best interest to do so now.

Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for life medicine for everyday living. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)