Back to Blog
Love thy neighbor bible verse5/7/2023 This is especially evident when considering what Jesus said to His disciples: So, it is not clear that we should infer from this verse that Jesus would disapprove of carrying a concealed weapon or using it in some extreme situations. Rather, Jesus is speaking here of the principle of non-retaliation. Clearly, Jesus did not mean to negate all God’s laws and injunctions protecting us against violent crime or invading armies. Like the principle of the eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth in Matthew 5:38, turning the other cheek refers to personal retaliation, not criminal offenses or acts of military aggression. To “turn the other cheek,” does not imply pacifism, nor does it mean we place ourselves or others in mortal danger. Moreover, we are told to pray for those who persecute us and to actually love our enemies! says Jesus’ teachings here can be summed up by stating, “we need to be pure inside and out and should be as accommodating as possible for the sake of a lost world.” Jesus teaches that when we are insulted or abused, we ought to go an “extra mile” (not an infinite amount of miles) for someone who is taking advantage of us. One main point Jesus is trying to convey is that His followers ought to go beyond the letter of Israel’s law in the name of love. The fifth chapter of Matthew (where this verse is found) records Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. First of all, we must make sure to take this verse in context with the entire passage. However, it is not necessary to jump to that extreme for several reasons. This is probably the most popular verse used to justify pacifism. “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person, If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39). Confusing Bible Versesįirst, consider the passage referenced above: One will find all kinds of people behind the doors of the church from complete pacifists to those who possess more of an arsenal than some small countries! With that said, let me explain where I currently stand by examining several key passages of Scripture. I must admit that there is much debate within the church regarding this issue and that not all Christians agree. Now, it is one thing to be trained as a “walking weapon,” but what about carrying a concealed weapon like a Glock 43 or a Springfield XD-S? Surely Christians should not carry weapons like these, right? Was I, as a Christian, who was also a walking weapon, in violation of the Law of Christ? Is it sinful to use jujitsu, Karate, or Krav Maga to stop a bad guy from kidnapping, raping, or murdering a toddler? Or, should I just allow them to abuse the toddler and then “turn the other cheek” (so-to-speak) and offer them another toddler to molest? With that said, I always wondered about that whole “turn the other cheek” thing. I have also had to use these “self-defense skills” a handful of times over the past three decades. This has engrained a deep sense of duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves. This is the case because I have been training and competing as a martial artist since I was twelve years old. Thank you for your question, Darrell! Although I do not have a concealed carry permit myself, I have grappled with similar questions for most of my life. Hey Tim, should a Christian conceal carry? Aren’t Christians supposed to love criminals - not kill them?
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |