The Bible has a lot to say about fighting, conflict and human aggression. Overall, the Bible promotes peace, reconciliation and forgiveness. However, there are times when fighting or conflict may be justified or even necessary. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical passages regarding fighting and conflict:
Old Testament Teachings
In the Old Testament, there are many accounts of war and conflict. The Israelites engaged in defensive battles and wars of conquest as God directed them to take possession of the Promised Land. However, God also commanded them to rely on Him rather than their own military strength (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).
Some key Old Testament passages include:
– Ecclesiastes 3:8 – There is “a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” This indicates there are appropriate times for conflict or fighting.
– Psalms 144:1 – David praises God for teaching his hands to war and his fingers to fight. As king of Israel, David engaged in many battles.
– Exodus 15:3 – God is described as a “man of war” who defeated Pharaoh’s armies.
– Deuteronomy 20 – God gives instructions for waging war, including offering terms of peace before attacking a city.
So the Old Testament acknowledges that war and fighting may be necessary at times. However, God’s people were to rely on His strength and guidance rather than their own military might.
Jesus’ Teachings on Fighting
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches extensively on responding to conflict and aggression with love and forgiveness rather than retaliation. For example:
– Matthew 5:39 – “Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
– Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
– Matthew 26:52 – When Peter drew a sword to defend Jesus from arrest, Jesus said, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
– Luke 6:27-31 – Jesus said to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and not retaliate when harmed.
So Jesus emphasized non-violence, creative problem solving, and placing justice in God’s hands rather than seeking personal vengeance. He wanted his followers to break cycles of violence by absorbing and forgiving wrongs.
Teachings of Paul and Other New Testament Writers
The New Testament writers largely echo Jesus’ teachings to rely on spiritual rather than physical weapons:
– Romans 12:17-21 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
– Ephesians 6:12 – “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
– 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”
– Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.”
However, governing authorities are permitted to use force to maintain order and punish wrongdoing:
– Romans 13:1-5 – Christians should submit to governing authorities as God’s servants who can morally bear the sword to bring punishment on wrongdoers.
– 1 Peter 2:13-14 – Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority…whether to the emperor…or to governors.
So the New Testament does allow a legitimate role for governing authorities to use force for justice, defense and maintaining public order. But individuals are called to overcome evil with love.
Self-Defense and Protection of Others
While Jesus called individuals to non-violence, He did not prohibit self-defense or defending others in extreme situations.
For example, when Jesus was arrested, He rebuked Peter for drawing a sword in His defense. However, He did not rebuke the disciples for owning swords in the first place (Luke 22:35-38). And in one parable, Jesus even commended someone who used force to protect his home from thieves (Luke 11:21).
So the Bible allows for protecting innocent life in extreme situations. But God’s people should generally be slow to anger, avoiding vengeance and escalating violence.
Just War Theory
Based on these and other passages, Christian thinkers developed “Just War Theory” – principles for when war or conflict could be ethically justified as a last resort:
– There must be a just cause (like protecting innocent life or ending gross injustice)
– It must be declared by proper authority
– It must be waged only to bring about justice – not revenge
– Armed forces should only use necessary and proportional force
– There must be a reasonable chance of success
– War must be the last resort after other options fail
So war may be justified when defending against unjust aggression or stopping atrocities. But it should not be entered lightly. Peace and reconciliation should be pursued whenever possible.
Key Principles
In summary, key biblical principles about fighting and conflict include:
– Quarreling and seeking personal vengeance are wrong.
– “Turning the other cheek” means enduring insults and aggressions with grace and forgiveness rather than retaliating.
– Governing authorities can morally use force to defend their people and uphold justice.
– Taking human life should be avoided when possible. But protecting innocent lives may require force in extreme cases.
– Christians should be slow to anger, avoiding escalating conflicts with neighbors but looking for creative, peaceful solutions.
– Ultimate justice will come from God’s hands, so we can love enemies and not seek personal revenge.
– Peacemaking should be pursued wholeheartedly whenever possible, leaving judgment to God.
So the Bible promotes a thoughtful, nuanced approach – condemning personal violence and vengeance but allowing force when protecting innocents and pursuing justice. Christians are called to overcome evil with love.