Scripture reveals that God expects His people to defend themselves and their families against unjust harm.
Scripture on Selfdefense
Proverbs 24:11-12
Old Testament
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? And will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?"
Luke 22:36
New Testament
"He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Nehemiah 4:14-15
Old Testament
"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.' When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work."
1 Timothy 5:8
New Testament
"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Esther 4:16
Old Testament
"'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'"
The Bottom Line
As image-bearers, we are accountable to steward and protect the lives God has entrusted to us.
Try Today
Make a plan to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Assess your home security, learn self-defense skills, or equip yourself responsibly.
Prayer
As Jesus said, 'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.' (Matthew 7:7)
Heavenly Father, help me to be a wise and responsible steward of the life You have given me. Show me how to protect myself and my family from harm, without resorting to anger or violence. Grant me discernment to know when to fight, and when to flee. May I have the courage to stand firm against injustice, while also extending grace to my enemies. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read the book of Nehemiah to see how he courageously led the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem while also preparing to defend themselves against their enemies.
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