Bible Verses to Think About War
Since I spend time on this website saying what Bible verses should not
be used to justify war (such as
Romans 13
and the war passages in the Old Testament),
what verses should we use when thinking about war?
I believe 5 verses are applicable and, when taken together, form a sound guide.
1. Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27)
As I detail elsewhere on this site, loving our enemies should guide all
Christian thought and behaviour, including issues of war and peace.
This does not mean "peace at all costs" - but it does mean to always love
the "enemy".
2. "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)
Whenever a human command goes against God's command, we are to obey God.
3. "Blessed be the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9)
Where possible, a Christian should be making peace.
4. "And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one." (Luke 22:36)
As indicated in the page
"Jesus told his followers to buy a sword.",
I believe this passage allows for the use of fighting in self-defence
in the most extreme of circumstances. But remember point 5...
5. All who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52)
To use the sword (or any other weapon) carries the greatest responsibility,
and it must only be used in the most extreme of circumstances.
That is the only way I see to balance Luke 22:36 and Matthew 26:52.
In Summary...
- Love Your Enemies;
- Obey God ahead of people;
- Be a peacemaker;
- Fighting in self-defence is permissible;
- But only under the most extreme of circumstances.
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