A Biblical Approach to Self Defense and Pacifism (Part 2)

To understand self‑defense biblically, we have to start where Jesus starts. In Matthew 16:24 He says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." That single command reshapes every question about the use of force. Our decisions must flow from the priorities Jesus gives us—valuing the lives of others above our own, valuing life above property, and guarding the testimony of the gospel. Scripture does not forbid all use of force, but it insists that any force we use must be governed by God's truth and carried out in a spirit of love, just like every other aspect of the Christian life.