We have an innate sense of justice within us because it is part of the image of God that has been instilled in us. We understand that when someone is wronged, there must be recompense (Leviticus 24:19-20). This concept is even biblical. However, as we continue to read through God’s Word, we realize that we are the ones who have wronged a holy and righteous God. Therefore, restitution must be made. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), which means that justice must be served. As we read further, we come to understand that Jesus is both the just and the justifier.
Romans 3:26 states, “It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” This means that Jesus is just because He punishes sin, and yet He took on that punishment on our behalf. Think about that for a moment.
As we are called to be disciples and followers of Christ, we are encouraged to mimic His actions. Therefore, when someone does evil to us, we should not react the way the world typically does. Consider Matthew 5:38-39: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
When dealing with others, we begin to see justice enacted on the cross. As we acknowledge the sins of others, we are reminded of our own sins and the forgiveness extended to us. This realization compels us to love (2 Corinthians 5:14) because we understand the depth of forgiveness that God has offered us. As Scripture says, “He who was forgiven much loves much” (Luke 7:47).
So, are Christians doormats? No, we hold out hope for those we encounter, the same hope that others had for us. What about justice? We leave justice in the hands of God (Romans 12:19).
I will defend myself and my family, but beyond that, I prefer to avoid most conflicts. I had a friend being bullied in school and a fight broke out. I got involved to break it up and sent the bully to the ER. In that moment it seemed like the right thing to do, but after seeing how quickly it escalated I didn’t want to experience that again.
This scripture to me is not just about physical encounters. A ‘word for a word’ can be just as bad as ‘an eye for an eye’.
The law functions as a mirror, exposing our true nature and revealing our sins. Like looking into a mirror that exposes imperfections, the law confronts us with the reality of our sinfulness. It confronts us with our anger, lust, and other sins we might downplay or justify. By measuring our actions against God’s standard, we recognize our guilt and our need for a Savior. Romans 3:20 ESV
[20] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Philippians 3:8-11 ESV
[8] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— [10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
You can find many passages in the Bible That we should defend ourselves and others on able to. I don’t Condon violence but I do think there are times in which we are Instructed to defend.
Psalms 82:4: This verse calls for the rescue of the weak and needy, suggesting a responsibility to protect those in danger.
Exodus 22:2-3: This passage states that if a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed, suggesting a right to defend one’s property and life.
Nehemiah 4:14: This passage encourages people to “fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes”.
This has always been a tough one for me. Perhaps I have too much pride. The thought of allowing someone to attack me, or anyone who is innocent, and not defend is a tough pill to swallow. However, I do understand that Jesus is asking us to swallow our pride. Look at the example he made. He freely went to his death on the cross when he could have easily called on legions of angels to defend him. As Patrick showed, there are many places in the Bible, where the law allows us to defend ourselves in certain circumstances. I believe that God is understanding of us defending ourselves when it is necessary, but we must strive not to use this as an excuse for violence when it is not absolutely necessary.