If God says not to hurt another man, does this mean that if I or my family are thretened, I can't defend myself ? I mean God gave you a gift - life and not defending your life is not taking care of what God gave you !
2007-02-03 04:04:23 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
in the Garden Jesus told his disciples to carry a sword, so yes you can defend yourself and your family.
2007-02-03 04:09:34 · answer #1 · answered by Hannah's Grandpa 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
We are called to defend the helpless and self-defense is o.k. Remember God gave men (and some women) strength for some reasons and protection is one of those reasons. Life is a beautiful gift and it needs to be protected.
I think you may be thinking of when Jesus said to 'turn the other cheek' in Matt. 5:39. I believe the context of that scripture and whole message had to do with not having a "getting even" attitude. The people and culture, (not unlike ours today), had a tit-for-tat mentality; everyone constantly demanding their rights; protecting their pride, etc. Jesus was calling them to let go of their pride and right to always be right and step up to a higher level of loving those who don't deserve it. Reaching out to those who hate you or oppose you. Loving the unlovable because that's what God does. He loves those who are unlovable and don't deserve His love.
But someone has to initiate conflict resolution. If He was saying that all physical force or resistance was bad then He would have condemned those who were given the authority to enforce the law. He didn't do that.
2007-02-03 12:19:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in the Bible many times God's people stood up for them selves defended them selves like in the book of Ester.God never said not to defend your self.Hope this helped God Bless
2007-02-03 12:12:08 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think God doesn't want us to be malicious and run around hurting people like taking revenge, murdering, or calling people names and just being mean. We are to be kind to even our enemies. However, if our enemies are out to get us and our families, I don't see why we can't defend ourselves against evil. Jesus doesn't call us to be doormats either and just let people take us for granted either. We should rely on God's power and wisdom, and if needed, to defend.
2007-02-03 12:15:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If God says not to hurt another man, does this mean that if I or my family are threatened, I can't defend myself ?
OF COURSE it is one DUTY to protect the innocent and ones self.
2007-02-03 12:07:32 · answer #5 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What God is saying is to not hurt the INNOCENT. This does not mean that you shouldn't physically defend yourself or family against attackers who mean bodily harm.
God also tells us to "turn the other cheek" when others "wrong" us, meaning telling lies about us, calling us names, ridiculing our faith, etc. Christians are to be forgiving of those that persecute us and allow God to mete out His justice against evildoers.
2007-02-03 12:17:14 · answer #6 · answered by Justified 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We all have the right to self defense. In fact there are cases in which to not intervene is the greater sin. For example, to permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. Same with to watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene. Not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.
2007-02-03 12:19:31 · answer #7 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God requires you to protect your family, I know I would mine, I have guns in my house, & if I know someone was breaking in & going to hurt my family, Not only does the Laws in Indiana say I can protect them But it is also something God expects of us, The Bible says if a man does not provide for those of his household, he is worse than a infidel & denied the faith, & protection is one thing in providing for his family.
2007-02-03 12:13:25 · answer #8 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we can defend ourselves. To turn the other cheek tells us not the get back in the same manner as the one that offends you. Jesus did tell his disciples to get armed just in case they have to defend their lives.
2007-02-03 12:31:32 · answer #9 · answered by Sternchen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont feel that a compasionate God would want you not to defend youraself even though Jesus himself (who could have called on thousands of angels to defend him) did not .
Self preservation is built in to us humans so we would not be condemed for doing so!
we need to remember that the commandment not to kill in the originall hebrew said thou shalt not murder and murder is something different than defending ourselves!
2007-02-03 12:10:53 · answer #10 · answered by revdauphinee 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't hurt another man? HA ha ha!!!
Like the guy that had a spear thrown through him b/c he was holding hands with a woman from the wrong side of town? And God immediately blessed the men that did the deed? Please...
2007-02-03 12:15:07 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋