The Bible does not specifically mention gangs, as we understand them today, but it does speak to many issues relevant to gang involvement and activity. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles and passages that can inform our understanding of gangs from a Christian perspective:
1. The danger of idolatry and false belonging
Gangs often provide a sense of identity, belonging, and brotherhood for their members. However, this can become an idolatrous substitute for our identity in Christ and belonging in the family of God (1 Peter 2:9-10). Gang membership often demands utmost loyalty, obscuring our higher loyalty to Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24).
The Bible warns against finding our primary belonging and allegiance in any earthly group rather than Christ (Philippians 3:20, Romans 12:1-2). As Christians, our core identity is as beloved children of God, united in Christ across earthly divisions (Galatians 3:28).
2. The temptation and consequences of anger and violence
Gangs often promote cycles of revenge and retaliation through violence. However, the Bible consistently warns against giving in to anger and vengeance (Proverbs 15:1, 29:22, Romans 12:17-21). Jesus taught radical non-violence and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42).
The Bible makes clear that violence and murder have no place among God’s people (Exodus 20:13, Matthew 26:52). There are serious consequences for taking part in violence, and we are called to break free from destructive cycles (Proverbs 3:31, Psalm 11:5, Galatians 5:19-21).
3. The danger of lawlessness and unjust gain
Gangs frequently engage in and profit from illegal activity. However, Scripture teaches that Christians must live as good citizens under governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). The Bible condemns theft, lawlessness, and unjust gain (Exodus 20:15, Proverbs 1:10-19, 28:20, Habakkuk 2:6-12).
As Christians, we are exhorted to work honestly, give generously to those in need, and seek justice through ethical means (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Luke 3:10-14, Amos 5:24). The ends do not justify unrighteous means (Romans 3:8).
4. The importance of wise influences and community
Gangs often recruit among young people lacking guidance and community. Scripture encourages walking closely with wise mentors who can steer us away from foolishness and violence (Proverbs 13:20, 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). It also emphasizes the formative power of our friends and influences (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 22:24-25, 1 Corinthians 15:33).
God designed us for supportive Christian community that builds us up in love (Hebrews 10:24-25, Romans 12:4-5). We should encourage one another to make wise choices and pursue righteousness in Christ together (Colossians 3:12-17).
5. The promise of redemption and better path
While gang involvement often seems inescapable, the Bible offers hope for redemption. Jesus came to set captives free and offer new life (Luke 4:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:17). God can work even in the midst of violence and wrongdoing to bring transformation (Genesis 50:20, Acts 9:1-19).
Scripture points to a better way – the way of wisdom, righteousness, peacemaking, and faith in Christ (Proverbs 3:17, Romans 14:19, Philippians 4:8-9). As Christians, we can point gang members to the true redemption found in Jesus rather than false belonging and destructive paths (2 Corinthians 5:15-21).
In summary, the Bible warns against the idolatry, anger, lawlessness, and violence often associated with gangs. It uplifts values like love, justice, compassion, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Most importantly, it offers hope of redemption and a new way forward in Christ for those caught in gang life who are seeking a way out.
6. Abandon unwise companions and influences
The Bible repeatedly warns against keeping company with fools, scoffers, and those who lead us into sin:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1:1).
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20).
To break free from gang life, one often has to take the difficult step of abandoning unwise friends and influences in order to walk a righteous path. Although this can be extremely hard, Scripture affirms it is necessary at times:
“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge” (Proverbs 14:7).
“A companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20b).
“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).
As painful as it is, we may need to restrict or end treasured relationships if they are leading us into destruction and preventing our walking with Christ.
7. Fill your life with righteousness and wisdom
In additional to removing unwise influences, the Bible stresses the importance of filling our lives with righteousness, wisdom, and good influences:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Replacing gang affiliation and activity with righteous pursuits – like prayer, Scripture, work, family relationships, and church involvement – helps crowd out sinful tendencies and forge a new identity in Christ.
8. Find your worth and belonging in Christ
One reason people join gangs is a search for identity, worth, and community. Scripture reminds us that our worth is rooted in being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) and His love for us (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4-5).
In Christ, we are completely loved and accepted as His children (Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7). This frees us from finding identity in an earthly group like a gang. We belong to God’s family, which transcends all human barriers and divisions (Galatians 3:26-29, 1 Peter 2:9-10).
As Christians, our identity is defined by Christ and belonging to His body. This is far more significant than any other group identity. As we grow in understanding our identity in Christ, we become less vulnerable to seeking worth in dangerous places.
9. Pursue reconciliation and leaving violence behind
Gang life often breeds lasting rivalries, revenge, and violence cycles. The Bible points to a different way – the way of mercy, forgiveness, and breaking these cycles:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy…Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:7, 9).
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’…To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink'” (Romans 12:19-21).
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Reconciliation and forgiveness – by God’s grace – can break destructive cycles of violence. This liberates us into a new pattern of blessing enemies, doing good, and seeking lasting peace in relationships.
10. Find freedom and new life in Christ
Ultimately, Scripture offers hope of redemption – being freed from sin and finding new life in Jesus:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5).
No matter how deeply ingrained in gang culture and sin, God can give new life, purpose, and freedom through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. He specializes in redemption and making all things new.
11. Help others escape through wise counsel and mercy
For Christians who have escaped gang life, God may call them to humbly seek to help others trapped in similar patterns:
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
“Therefore comfort one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
This must be done wisely, with grace and caution. But God can use redeemed former gang members to mercifully counsel youth who are tempted by or trapped in gangs. They can point them to the better way of life and hope found in Jesus Christ.
12. Cry out for deliverance and salvation
A key step in being freed from gang life is humbly crying out to God for help and salvation:
“God…will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury” (Romans 2:6-8).
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).
“The Lord is…patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
God stands ready to forgive and give new life to all who turn from sin and call on Him. His mercy is there for anyone caught in gang violence who recognizes their need for salvation in Jesus.
13. Find hope and help in the church community
The Bible envisions the church as a place where those seeking to leave behind a sinful past can find refuge, guidance, and a new family of faith:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The church, at its best, provides a community where former gang members can heal, grow in faith, use their experiences to help others, and get back on the path Christ intends for their lives.
14. Embrace your new holy calling and purpose
A key to leaving gang life behind is embracing the higher calling and purpose for which Christ saved us:
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house…But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Embracing Christ’s call to holiness, righteousness, reconciliation, and bearing witness to His grace is key to leaving gang life behind for good. It propels us forward into the destiny and purpose He has prepared.
15. Rely on God’s strength and protection
Breaking free from gangs can be very difficult and dangerous. Scripture calls us to rely humbly on God’s strength and protection in the process:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
We can have confidence that God will guide, strengthen, guard, and supply all we need – even in the midst of danger and difficulty – as we seek to walk in His ways and will.