What does the bible say about self defence? Biblical views on self-defense are varied and require the reader to carefully consider many different aspects. There seems to be an inherent tension between God’s teachingsJesus about looking the other way (Matthew 5:39) and the Old Testament’s permission to take one’s life in self-defense (Exodus 22:2-3). Let’s dig deeper into these seemingly contradictory ideas.
What Does The Bible Say About Self Defence? Self-defense helps protect life and property
- Right to self-defense: The Bible recognizes the right to protect oneself and one’s loved ones. Exodus 22:2-3 makes it clear that a homeowner is not guilty of murder if they kill a thief who breaks in at night. This passage establishes the concept of self-defense as a legitimate response to an imminent threat.
- Holding weapons: In Luke 22:36-38, Jesus instructed his disciples to purchase swords for protection, implying that self-defense could involve physical means when necessary.
Prioritize peace and de-escalation
- Turn the other cheek: Jesus’ famous teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-39) emphasize non-retaliation and forgiveness. Turning the other cheek is a metaphor for resisting the urge to escalate violence and seeking peace even in the face of provocation.
- Love your enemies: Throughout the New Testament, there is an emphasis on loving one’s enemies and overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). This challenges the idea of responding with violence, even in self-defense.
Find balance
These seemingly contradictory passages can be reconciled by understanding the importance of context and symmetry. Here are some key points:
- Avoid violence if possible: De-escalation and escape should always be the first actions. The Bible encourages finding peaceful solutions whenever possible.
- Force ratio: The level of self-defense must be commensurate with the threat. Lethal force should only be used as a last resort against a deadly threat.
- Protect the innocent: The Bible allows self-defense not only for oneself but also to protect others, especially the vulnerable.
The importance of Christian virtues
The Bible does not provide a specific set of rules for every self-defense situation. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of developing Christian character. How much is this?including:
- Insight: Believers are called to be wise and discerning (Proverbs 27:12) to make good judgments when faced with danger.
- Control yourself: Restraining and avoiding impulsive reactions is important (Proverbs 16:32).
- Trust in God: Ultimately, Christians must rely on God for protection and guidance (Psalm 91).
Conclusion
The Bible does not give simple answers to self-defense. It advocates protecting oneself and others from harm while emphasizing the importance of peace and forgiveness. The important thing is to find a balance between these principles, using wisdom, insight and self-control to overcome difficult situations.
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