Do Born Again Need to Defend Themselves?
If we're told to turn the other cheek, does this mean Christians cannot defend themselves?
Turning the Cheek
When Jesus said, "Do not resist the i who is evil. Only if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matt v:39), did He mean we should just let people slap u.s.a., or even punch the states? When Jesus was speaking, He was speaking in the context of how the children of God will live in the kingdom, merely also how they should strive to live today. If you lot read the Beatitudes, I don't do very many of these that oftentimes. How about you? It's like the Ten Commandments to the nth power, so if we look at what Jesus is saying overall, we can run into what He ways. He does put this in the context of turning the other cheek or not being confrontational. Jesus then says, "And if anyone would sue you lot and take your tunic, allow him have your cloak equally well. And if anyone forces you to go i mile, become with him 2 miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the i who would borrow from you" (Matt 5:40-42). This is where nosotros get the phrase, "Go the extra mile" from. Jesus expects united states of america to trust God in judgment and non exact revenge, but return dearest for your enemies hatred, blessings for your enemies curses, and do good to those who do bad to you (Luke 6:32-36).
Reacting to Hatred
Since Jesus was hated to the point of being murdered, then how practice you lot think they'll treat us? One lady was so despondent near her family persecuting her for her faith that she was virtually to requite it upwardly, simply then, I reminded her of Jesus' words, where He said, "Blessed are you when people detest you and when they exclude you lot and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on business relationship of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is bully in heaven; for and then their fathers did to the prophets" (Luke half-dozen:22-23). Encounter that? You are blessed by existence hated, and more then when you lot love them back and pray for them. That's what the children of God practise (Matt v:46)! I told this adult female the Campaigner Peter's words, where he said, "Do not be surprised at the peppery trial when it comes upon you lot to test you, every bit though something strange were happening to you. Only rejoice insofar every bit yous share Christ'due south sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1st Pet 4:12-13), and "If yous are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon y'all" (ist Pet 4:14), so "permit those who suffer according to God'due south will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing proficient," (onest Pet 4:19). Whenever you are insulted or hated for your faith, "never avenge yourselves, only leave information technology to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."'To the opposite, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap called-for coals on his head" (Rom 12:xix-20).
Cocky-Defense
If someone was a threat to the community, y'all know police force enforcement officers would motion in to effort and protect lives. That'due south what they practice; protect and serve, and then if they are trying to preserve life, which is a proficient thing, I believe Christians take a correct to defend themselves. No believer should be a punching bag and quote, "Turn the other cheek." Besides, that's not the pregnant of that verse. What if no one ever defended themselves? Smaller nations would be overrun, the rich nations would exploit the poor, and even though this has already happened to a certain extent, when nations take aggressive action confronting some other, other nations will sometimes step in and defend the nation that's being invaded or attacked. In an e'er-increasingly tearing world, we need to exercise every means available to go on ourselves and our families rubber. Near people lock their doors at dark as a defence confronting burglary, but if a thief breaks into a home and is stealing things, I am non sure that is worth taking someone's life. If it all possible, you lot tin defend yourself confronting intruders, but in about cases, calling 911 is the best option. Losing belongings is never worth taking someone else'southward life, but when information technology comes to defending one'due south own family, that'due south when we are to defend ourselves and our families, by force if necessary. Whoever wants my married woman and children/grandchildren, volition have to come through me first. That is non sin, in fact, shrinking back and doing nothing to defend them, is! Each case is different. No two are alike. At that place is no "one size fits all" advice on how to defend your property and/or family. If families will do some preventative measures ahead of time, similar good lighting, alarms, secure deadbolts and window locks, and so a lot of law-breaking will never happen. Jesus defended us. If you think about it, He took the wrath of God that nosotros deserved. He suffered and died when we should have suffered forever, so if non for Jesus being our Mediator, we would take no protection from the wrath of God.
Decision
You may not agree with me, but I am going to defend my family with every ounce of my fiber if they are threatened, but I'm not going to hazard hurting someone or getting myself hurt to cease a thief for taking possessions that are going to burn up anytime anyway. Things are never as important every bit people; even if it'southward a thief. I'thousand sure the thief on the cross was glad that it was not too late for Him. Even though he believed just minutes or so from dying, he trusted in Christ, and never worried about doing works, and even though he never attended a church service, got baptized, attended a Sunday school class, or volunteered for holiday Bible schoolhouse, he was saved. Information technology is never likewise belatedly to trust in Christ, because if a thief on the cross can be saved, then anyone can.
Here is more from Pastor Jack: How Should Christians Answer to Bullying?
Resources – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible : English language standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Source: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/should-a-christian-use-force-to-defend-themself/
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