Self-Defence: Protecting Yourself and Others

Self-defence is the use of force to repel an attack or imminent threat — especially a violent physical attack, with or without a weapon — directed at us or our family. Scripture calls for wisdom: knowing when to absorb an offence in love, when to protect life as a last resort, and how to stand firm in the spiritual battle.

When Not to Retaliate

With personal snubs and offences, the Bible's teaching is not retaliation — "not repaying insult with insult" — but rather "turning the other cheek", absorbing the insult in restraint and love, giving up our rights and going "the extra mile" (Mt 5:38-41; Rom 12:17-21; 1 Pet 3:9). A quiet answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1).

Yet Scripture does not demand passivity in every situation. Paul spoke up in his defence, informing the authorities that what they were about to do was illegal (Act 16:37-39). When teaching about the persistency of prayer, Jesus spoke of the widow who pleaded for justice; she would not let her enemy take advantage of her, but strenuously defended herself through the proper channels (Lk 18:1-8). We should not permit evil to go unchallenged, for evil triumphs when good people do nothing.

Pray for wisdom to know the best response

Protecting Life as a Last Resort

We are not sinning when we try to protect ourselves or those who are defenceless against physical, mental, spiritual and sexual harm (Ps 82:3). As believers we value life and should protect and preserve it, yet without initiating any physical confrontation.

Self-defence should be considered only as a last resort — a carefully measured response to counteract any threat of physical violence, confiscation of freedom or personal goods. The labourers rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem were armed to repel their enemies if they attacked (Neh 4:16-18). Where possible, take precautions to prevent such a necessity occurring (Mt 24:43).

A vital part of this precaution is simply not making ourselves a target. We should endeavour not to needlessly annoy or provoke people — "as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom 12:18). A sharp tongue, arrogant behaviour or careless words can invite the very conflict we would otherwise never face, for "a fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul" (Prov 18:7). Equally, we should not knowingly place ourselves in vulnerable situations: Scripture praises the one who "seeth the danger and passeth on" rather than walking wilfully into harm's way (Prov 22:3). Avoiding unsafe places after dark, steering clear of volatile situations, not walking alone where danger is likely, and keeping trusted company are not acts of cowardice but of godly wisdom. Prudence is not a lack of faith; it is faith applied with common sense — we take sensible precautions while ultimately trusting God for our protection (Ps 121:1-2).

Spiritual Self-Defence

As believers we are under constant harassment in the spiritual realm, and this is to be the focus of our proactive self-defence as we employ the spiritual armour God has made available to us (Eph 6:10-20). We are to be aware of the devil's schemes, for he is described as a roaring lion seeking to attack believers (2 Cor 2:11; 1 Pet 5:8).

Our response to such attacks is two-fold. First, we are to pray for our enemies: Jesus commanded us to "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you" (Mt 5:44). Rather than a passive retreat, such prayer hands the battle over to the One who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23), guards our own hearts against bitterness, and often works to soften the very adversary we are praying for.

Second, we are instructed to actively resist Satan's attacks: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (Jas 4:7). In our own strength we are no match for him — he is more powerful than we are — yet he is powerless against God. Our resistance therefore only succeeds when it flows from submission to God and stands on Christ's victory: "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). Believers overcome the accuser "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony" (Rev 12:11), not by any power of their own.

Meanwhile, persecution is targeted aggression against a segment of society because of religion, nationality or politics. Generally, believers have counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ and have not resisted physical restraints and restrictions (Act 5:40-41).

Reflection and Application:

Is there an offence I am repaying instead of entrusting to God?
Where do I need courage to defend justice through proper channels?
What practical precautions can I take to protect my family?
Am I daily putting on the spiritual armour God provides?