Violence is unfortunately a common occurrence in our fallen world. The Bible addresses the reality of violence and provides guidance on how followers of God should respond. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages about violence and how Christians can pursue peace:
Old Testament Verses on Violence
The Old Testament contains many examples of violence, often showing the devastating impacts of war, oppression, and evil actions. Genesis portrays violence entering the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve: “sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin” (Romans 5:12). Violence persists through the generations as seen in Cain murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). The flood in Genesis 6-9 is also an act of judgment on the endemic violence and corruption in the pre-flood world.
God institutes capital punishment for murder as a deterrent against violence: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image” (Genesis 9:6). The Mosaic Law creates systems of justice and punishment to limit violence in society. However, the people repeatedly turn to violence and oppression, as emphasized by the prophets. For example, “Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood” (Isaiah 59:7). Micah laments the woeful sinful state of Israel marked by violence: “the faithful have vanished from the land…they all lie in wait for blood” (Micah 7:2).
Overall, the Old Testament shows that violence rooted in human sin has spread throughout the world. But God establishes principles of justice and punishment to restrain violence. The prophets call God’s people to turn from violence and practice true righteousness.
Jesus’ Teaching on Non-Violence and Peacemaking
In the New Testament, Jesus provides a radically different approach to violence, emphasizing non-violence, love, and peacemaking. In the Sermon on the Mount, he says:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39)
Rather than retaliate and perpetuate cycles of violence, Jesus calls his followers to break these cycles through surprising acts of non-violence. Elsewhere Jesus says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This applies even when persecuted for righteous reasons (Matthew 5:10).
Jesus modeled these principles himself, rebuking Peter for fighting back when Jesus was arrested (John 18:11), and asking God to forgive those crucifying him even in his agonizing death (Luke 23:34). Though Jesus could have called down legions of angels for protection (Matthew 26:53), he instead chose the way of peace.
Principles and Examples for Christians Facing Violence
The remainder of the New Testament gives principles for Christians facing violence and persecution. Believers are encouraged to live peaceably with all people if possible (Romans 12:17-18). They should obey governing authorities to avoid unnecessary violence and unrest (Romans 13:1-7). But if obeying God and following their conscience conflicts with obeying governments, they must choose to obey God (Acts 5:29).
Throughout Scripture, faith in God’s sovereignty is emphasized as the ultimate comfort when facing violence. Peter writes to persecuted Christians:
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19)
God may allow his people to face violence and even death, but they can trust he is still in control and will work all things for their eternal good (Romans 8:28). The hope of heavenly peace and rest motivates endurance (Revelation 21:4).
The early church provides positive examples of non-retaliation when persecuted. Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of those stoning him (Acts 7:60). Paul spoke of blessing those who persecute and instructs the church to “Repay no one evil for evil” (Romans 12:14, 17).
However, Christians are not called to enable violence by allowing injustice and oppression of others if they have opportunity to protect the vulnerable. The New Testament still assumes the legitimacy of governing authorities acting as God’s servants to execute justice and restrain evil (Romans 13:3-4). Likewise, protecting others from harm can be a godly act.
Trusting God’s Justice and Promising Ultimate Peace
A key theme in how the Bible addresses violence is that God will ultimately bring perfect justice and peace. Hence, believers can trust God even amidst ongoing injustice and do not need to take vengeance into their own hands.
Deuteronomy 32:35 declares “Vengeance is mine, and recompense.” The apostle Paul quotes this in urging Christians not to retaliate against evil but to “leave it to the wrath of God.” (Romans 12:19). The injustice done to the martyrs in Revelation 6:10 also shows that God will respond to their cries for justice in the final day.
The book of Revelation portrays God’s coming judgment on those who commit violence and injustice, promising comfort for those who have suffered:
“They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:10)
The vision of Revelation 21:1-4 shows the hope of the cessation of mourning, pain, and tears in the perfection of the new creation when God dwells fully with his people. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Pursing Peace and Reconciliation
The bible provides principles for Christians to actively pursue peace in response to violence. Followers of Christ must look first at their own hearts and repent of hatred or vengeance (Matthew 7:5). Seeking unity and restoration of relationships is highlighted (Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 2:14-18). Doing good to enemies often turns them to repentance (Romans 12:20-21). Non-retaliation combined with doing good dissipates evil and promotes peace.
The example of Jesus reconciling us to God motivates Christians to be peacemakers between people and God and each other. As Paul writes:
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Believers carry on this ministry by living at peace with others (Hebrews 12:14), being gentle and patient (Colossians 3:12-13), pursuing justice, and sharing the gospel of peace (Isaiah 52:7, Ephesians 6:15). This is part of their witness to the watching world of the life-changing salvation found in Jesus.
Avoiding and Resisting Violence Done in Jesus’ Name
Tragically violence has sometimes been wrongly perpetrated in the name of Christianity throughout history, such as during the Crusades, religious wars, and persecutions. This violates the entire ethic of Jesus. Those who truly know God through Christ must reject violence carried out in the name of religion.
The way of Jesus is the way of peace, sacrificial love, and blessing those who curse you. His kingdom advances not through worldly power and force but through the transforming power of the gospel, the word of God, and the Spirit working in people’s hearts (Matthew 4:23, 26:52, John 18:36, Ephesians 6:17).
All humans face the temptation to meet evil with evil. But Jesus shows a better way to overcome wrong with right (Romans 12:21). This path requires courage and God’s help but leads to lasting change and peace. Where violence persists, Christians are called to overcome it with acts of love, mercy, justice, forgiveness, and sacrifice (Romans 12:9-21).
Warning Against and Repenting from Violent Media
The media landscape is saturated with graphic violence that desensitizes people to the ugliness of violence and can promote violent responses to conflict. Christians must be on guard against media that glorifies brutality.
David writes in the Psalms: “I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (Psalm 101:2-3 ESV). Paul similarly says, “whatever is honorable…think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Followers of Christ must be proactive in what they set before their eyes and fill their minds with, avoiding entertainment that celebrates evil.
Parents must be diligent to train children to reject violent media and value all human life. Christians should also self-reflect on their media intake. Overexposure to simulated violence can subtly distort our thinking. Repenting of any desensitization and praying for eyes to see all people as image bearers of God is vital for pursuing peace.
Conclusion
Violence sickens our souls. Though surrounded by violence in a fallen world, Christians serve a God of peace who commands his people to pursue peace, do good, and love enemies. This is only possible through the transforming salvation and empowerment of Christ in our hearts. Grounding ourselves in God’s Word and following the model of Jesus provides a blueprint for undermining cycles of violence with good. Both individually and collectively, may the church rise up in the redeeming way of peace.