THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT - When Is Self-Defense Justified?

 A SUDDEN noise awakens you in the middle of the night. You hear footsteps.  Someone has broken into your home.  With your heart beating like a hammer in your chest, you fearfully wonder what you should do next. 

This is a situation  that anyone could face. Crime-even violent crime-is no longer  limited to certain countries or big cities. In the resultant climate of fear, many people seek protection by purchasing weapons or learning martial arts.  Some governments have enacted laws that give citizens the right to use deadly force to defend themselves.  But what does the Bible say?  Is a person ever justified  in using force to defend himself or his family? 

God Hates Violence

The Bible condemns violence and those who resort to it.  The psalmist David said regarding Jehovah God:  "Anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates." (Psalm 11:5)  God pronounced judgment against several ancient nations, including  his own people, because of their violence and bloodshed.  (Joel 3;19; Micah 6:12; Nahum 3:1) Even unintentional  manslaughter resulting from carelessness was a serious crime under the Law given to Israel. -Deuteronomy 22:8. 

The Bible exhorts individuals to avoid potential conflicts by pursuing peace every day.  Violent struggles often begin with a heated exchange of words.  The Bible observes:  "Where there is no wood the fire goes out,  and where there is no slanderer contention grows still." (Proverbs 26:20) Calmness often defuses anger and deflects violent confrontation.  The apostle Paul wrote:  "If possible, as fare as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men." -Romans 12:18. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT - When Is Self-Defense Justified?/When You Are Threatened

From the Awake! magazine