Would Jesus approve of me defending myself?

[mom2four]

and my family?.....IOW, am I allowed to use a gun and fend off people who would attack me in my home?

I just want to be prepared in the event of an emergency with food and supplies and I know if there is total collapse that even normal people will soon become barbaric...especially in times of a famine.....but surely Jesus would be ok with me shooting someone attacking my family right?? ....I want to be able to protect my family and my property.....I abhore the thought of actually shooting someone....just want to know what God says on this.....I know I am supposed to turn the other cheek, but just not sure how this works if my life and that of my children is in mortal danger. thanks for any advice on this....and would love scriptural links to help me in this too.

[Ruth]

I wrestled with this same issue. On one hand, I concluded that I could never kill someone else to save myself. But I probably could to protect my children or other innocent victims.

I used to own a Glock and a 45 but sold them when I realized that I now lived alone and I could never kill someone to protect myself. And if you have a gun in the house and don't plan to use it for what it is intended for - it is best to get rid of it or it will be used against you.

I think you should pray about it and let the Lord lead your heart. The only advise I can give you is that if you have a gun in the house look at all the other unintended consequences and reckon with them and weigh them against the intended effect.

Jesus told his disciples to take swords with them so there must be some nod of acceptance to self defense.

[mikalikat]

In defense of yourself and your family, I do not believe there is anything scriptural that speaks against that.

[god_chick3]

Thats a tough and personal question...I would have to point out with children in the house though that some children have gotten their hands on guns and awful things have happened from that...I cant answer the biblical question...but I think you need to rest your fears in God a little more

[mom2four]

we've got them all locked up....no worries...we are extremely careful with them. I guess I just wondered where God stands on this.

[ChildofGod]

Mom, read Luke 22:36.

Jesus told his disciples to go buy what?

What were they used for?

[sandy]

he told the diciples to take a sword with them.

self protection there is nothing wrong with it.

[ChildofGod]

Amen!!!

[mom2four]

thank you :0). I still can't imagine shooting anybody, but if they were coming after my kids I am guessing I could.

[ChildofGod]

Mom,

I would suggest you take your weapons to a range and get real familiar with them. PM me if you'd like more info.

[mom2four]

was jesus being fascisious when he said this I wonder......is there any doctrine that shows where he clearly dosen't agree with self protection as satisfactory in the case of even murder if you life is at stake....not talking about abortion here....but clearly someone coming at you with the intent of killing you and taking your possessions (aka food)....I just want to know if there is a verse that is very explicit with regards to this or any stories in the bible where it came up. Thanks

[Carl]

8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1 Tim 5:8 (KJV)

Seems that protection would be part of the providing.

[mattfivefour]

was jesus being fascisious when he said this I wonder......is there any doctrine that shows where he clearly dosen't agree with self protection as satisfactory in the case of even murder if you life is at stake....not talking about abortion here....but clearly someone coming at you with the intent of killing you and taking your possessions (aka food)....I just want to know if there is a verse that is very explicit with regards to this or any stories in the bible where it came up. Thanks

I don't think Jesus was ever facetious!

As to your question: MY life is in HIS hands, so I do not know whether I would use deadly force to defend myself or not. That will have to wait for the leading of the Spirit should such a situation occur. I know He will direct me at the time. Sometimes it is by our death that God can work in others, so I do not hold my life dear. It is his to use or end as HE sees fit.

But to defend the weak? Absolutely. That is clearly outlined in both OT and NT. If someone came after my children or grandchildren ... or any woman, child or defenseless man for that matter ... you BET I would use whatever force was necessary to try and save them. And I would have no compunction about killing if that is what it took.

[jacee92]

Here is an article that may answer some of your questions

http://www.cstnews.com/bm/social-iss...-defense.shtml

We also own a gun and are looking for another one that would be easier for me to handle. Would i want to shoot someone? Of course not. If someone was coming at my family with the intent to kill would i shoot? You bet.

[bghtnpd4]

I will use ANY AND ALL means at my disposal to protect myself and my family, period. That's why I have guns. That's why I have a guard dog. And, that's why I have a security system on my house. My life and the lives of my family are precious and worth defending. And, that's why Jesus made us with the internal fight or flight mechanism...

[mom2four]

Thanks, everybody....that helps a lot. I hope it never gets to that point, but I had never really approached this issue from a Christian standpoint before.

[bghtnpd4]

So, mom, if you're ever really worried about that, just come stay with me...2:

[Adopted Son]

I have killed animals. The first time I was horrified. I couldn't believe the bird was dead because of my actions. When I did so to feed myself, I was reminded of how God commanded the Israelites to slay the fatted calf. He also said to kill the lamb without blemish, offer it on the alter, and keep half of it and eat it that very night. So God approves killing for sacrifice and foodstuffs. So killing is awful sometimes, but is necessary in some situations.

As bad as it might feel to you to kill another human being, I know for myself it would feel far worse to have done nothing to stop them from killing a family member or even an innocent I didn't even know. That would be more horrifying to me.

[mikalikat]

Reading the responses here is really reaffirming that even though we're to be gentle and loving in our actions, we are all pretty much of the same mind that protecting those weaker than ourselves is OK. Thank you for this thread!