Violence is unfortunately a common occurrence in our fallen world. From domestic abuse to terrorism to war between nations, acts of violence fill the daily news headlines. As Christians, how should we understand these acts from a biblical perspective? What does God say about violence?
The Bible speaks extensively on the topic of violence. While the Bible does not gloss over the reality of violence in a sinful world, it clearly reveals God’s perspective on violence and how His people should respond.
Violence Is a Result of Sin
Genesis portrays the original created world as a place of peace and harmony. Humanity lived in relationship with God and one another in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-2). However, this shalom was shattered in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Sin entered the world and corrupted all human relationships. One result of this corruption was violence. Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy in Genesis 4, an incident Jesus references as the first shedding of blood (Luke 11:50-51). From this point forward, violence characterized fallen humanity.
The Bible teaches that violence stems from the sinful human heart. Jesus said, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” (Mark 7:21-23). Jeremiah 17:9 declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Violence bubbles up from the wickedness of the unregenerate human heart.
God Condemns Violence
While the Bible affirms the reality of violence in a fallen world, God clearly condemns violent acts. Murder is prohibited as part of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Jesus affirmed the immorality of murder (Mark 10:19). Acts of violence like murder come from a heart of hatred and anger, which God condemns (Leviticus 19:17-18; Matthew 5:21-26). Shedding innocent blood pollutes the land (Psalm 106:38).
God also condemns those who use violence to take advantage of others. “Do no wrong or violence to the resident alien” (Jeremiah 22:3). “Thus says the LORD: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed” (Jeremiah 22:3). Violence motivated by greed, oppression, revenge or other ungodly motives is evil in God’s eyes.
The Bible not only prohibits individuals from violence, but also condemns nations who violently oppress others. God judges Babylon because they “destroyed the land and killed my people. They did not stop at bloodshed” (Habakkuk 2:12,17). Jesus wept over the coming destruction of Jerusalem because “you did not know the time of your visitation” (Luke 19:41-44). Unjust violence often results in God’s judgment.
Examples of Godly Men Enduring Violence
While clearly prohibiting violence, Scripture also provides godly examples of those who endured violence. After Joseph’s brothers beat him and sold him into slavery, he resisted retaliation. Instead he told his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:15-21).
David refused to kill his enemy Saul even when he had opportunities to end Saul’s violence against him (1 Samuel 24, 26). Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah preached to the people of Jerusalem though they repeatedly persecuted him violently for his message (Jeremiah 20:1-2).
The ultimate example is Jesus Christ Himself. Though completely innocent, He willingly suffered the violence of the cross to make atonement for sins (Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus endured beating, mocking, flogging and crucifixion without retaliation. Instead He prayed for the forgiveness of His persecutors (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ willingness to suffer violence testifies to His obedience to God’s will and sacrificial love for humanity.
These examples display godly wisdom, restraint and trust in God in the face of violence. They provide a model for believers today of how we can respond to violence in a Christ-like manner, instead of retaliation.
Principles for Responding to Violence
Scripture provides wisdom for how to respond when confronted by violence. First, believers should examine their own hearts, making sure they are free from hatred, anger and bitterness that can lead to violence (Matthew 7:3-5). We should also immediately seek to resolve conflicts before they escalate to violence (Matthew 5:21-26). Avoiding retaliation and leaving room for God’s wrath can end cycles of violence (Romans 12:17-21).
However, Scripture does make provision for legitimate authority to use force to restrain evil. Governing authorities have the right to “bear the sword” to punish wrongdoing (Romans 13:1-7). While individuals should not take justice into their own hands, responsible governments have a moral duty to protect their citizens. However, this force should only be exercised when absolutely necessary and in a just manner.
Believers are called to play a peacemaking role in the face of violence. We should be ministers of reconciliation to end interpersonal violence (Matthew 5:9, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21). We can intercede for peace and justice in our communities (Jeremiah 29:7). We can provide comfort and practical help to those victimized by violence (Matthew 25:34-36). We can speak the truth in love to perpetrators of violence, calling them to repentance (Ephesians 4:15).
God Will Ultimately End Violence
Though violence will continue as a reality in our current age, the Bible promises that God will ultimately eradicate violence forever. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, “With righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4). The book of Revelation describes Jesus returning as a conquering king to judge evil and establish His reign of perfect peace (Revelation 19:11-21).
Believers look forward to the promise of eternal life in a world where “death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). God will create a New Heavens and New Earth where love, justice and peace reign completely. All violence will cease. What a glorious hope for all who trust in Christ!
In conclusion, the Bible provides divine perspective and instruction for how to understand violence. Violence originates from the sinful human heart and clearly violates God’s moral law. However, Scripture gives hope and practical principles for responding to violence in godly ways. Ultimately, God promises to eradicate violence forever when Jesus returns. Christians trust God for justice and walk in the way of peace until that day.