In the Bible, violence is often characterized as aggressive actions that cause harm or injury to others, reflecting a heart filled with sin and rebellion against God’s commandments. It is condemned in various scriptures, which emphasize peace, love, and justice as the intended behaviors of humanity (e.g., Proverbs 3:31, Matthew 5:9).
Scripture
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.
12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Biblical Definition of Violence
The Biblical definition of violence transcends mere physical aggression; it speaks to a deeper spiritual and moral rebellion against God and His principles of harmony and righteousness. For instance, in Genesis 6:11-13, the wickedness of humanity is portrayed as leading to violence, highlighting that such actions stem from a corrupted heart rather than mere external behaviors. The prevalence of violence in society reflects a disconnect from God’s intentions for justice and compassion, as seen in Isaiah 59:7-8, where the consequences of wrongdoing and a lack of peace permeate the lives of the people.
Moreover, the New Testament further underscores the importance of peace and reconciliation, as articulated in Matthew 5:39, where Jesus encourages turning the other cheek instead of retaliating violently. The call for love, even toward enemies (Matthew 5:44), points to a transformative approach where violence is rejected in favor of grace and forgiveness. Ultimately, the biblical narrative envisions a community governed by love and respect for the sanctity of life, indicating that true strength lies not in acts of violence but in the pursuit of peace, justice, and mercy, as encapsulated in Micah 6:8, which urges believers to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” This foundational understanding establishes violence as not merely an act against the individual but a rebellion against God’s divine order and a failure to reflect His character in our interactions with others.
The biblical understanding of violence also encompasses the relational dynamics between individuals and communities. This perspective is evident in the teachings found in Proverbs, which emphasize that violence is often born out of anger, pride, and a lack of wisdom. For example, Proverbs 29:22 states that an angry person stirs up strife, while one who is slow to anger can diffuse conflict. Such passages suggest that the root of violence is not simply in the actions that are executed but in the internal disposition of a person’s heart. The Proverbs encourage self-control and wisdom as antidotes to violence, indicating that the way we manage our emotions directly impacts our relationships with others.
Furthermore, the narrative of Cain and Abel serves as a poignant illustration of the destructive nature of jealousy and hatred, demonstrating that violence can take many forms, including emotional and spiritual harm. The violent act of Cain toward Abel resulted not only in physical death but also in a rupture of familial bonds and community disruptions. This account reveals that violence emerges from deeper emotional states—envy, rejection, and bitterness—that, when left unchecked, can culminate in irreversible actions against others. Thus, the biblical definition of violence is rooted not only in the physical act but also in the mental and spiritual conditions that give rise to such behavior. In combating violence, the scriptures consistently call for introspection and transformation, urging individuals to pursue reconciliation, love, and understanding as means to heal the fissures caused by strife and hostility.
The Consequences of Human Sinfulness
In the biblical narrative, violence often emerges as a direct consequence of humanity’s fallen nature and disobedience to God. The scriptures depict a world marred by sin, where violence is a manifestation of the broken relationship between humanity and the divine. This broader meaning highlights that violence is not merely physical harm but also reflects deeper spiritual and moral corruption, leading to societal breakdown and conflict.
The Call for Justice and Righteousness
Another significant aspect of violence in the Bible is its relationship to justice and righteousness. The scriptures frequently emphasize God’s desire for justice, urging individuals and communities to act in ways that promote peace and equity. In this context, violence is seen as a violation of God’s commandments and a failure to uphold the moral order. The biblical call to justice serves as a counter-narrative to violence, advocating for reconciliation, mercy, and the pursuit of right relationships among people.
The Transformative Power of Love
The biblical understanding of violence also contrasts with the transformative power of love and forgiveness. Throughout the scriptures, there is a recurring theme that encourages believers to respond to hostility and aggression with love, compassion, and understanding. This broader meaning suggests that while violence may be a reality in the world, the teachings of the Bible advocate for a radical approach that seeks to overcome evil with good, promoting healing and restoration instead of perpetuating cycles of violence.
How to Navigate Moral Conflict as a Faithful Christian
Navigating moral conflict as a faithful Christian can often feel like walking a tightrope, but it’s essential to remember that our faith provides a solid foundation. Start by grounding yourself in prayer and scripture; the Bible is filled with wisdom that can guide you through tough decisions. Reflect on Jesus’ teachings, especially His emphasis on love, compassion, and forgiveness, which can illuminate the path forward. It’s also important to seek counsel from trusted mentors within your faith community, as they can offer perspectives that you might not have considered. Remember, it’s okay to wrestle with difficult questions—faith is not about having all the answers but about seeking truth with an open heart. Ultimately, strive to act in a way that reflects Christ’s love, even when the right choice isn’t clear, and trust that God will guide you through the complexities of moral dilemmas.
Bible References to the Definition of Violence:
Exodus 23:1-3: 1 “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
2 You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice,
3 nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit.
Psalm 11:5-7: 5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.
Psalm 55:9-11: 9 Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it; ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace.
11 Ruin is in her midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from her streets.
Proverbs 3:31-32: 31 Do not envy a man of violence
and do not choose any of his ways,
32 for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.
Proverbs 4:14-17: 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
Proverbs 10:6-11: 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 13:2-3: 2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Proverbs 16:29-30: 29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
Isaiah 59:6-8: 6 Their webs will not serve as clothing; men will not cover themselves with what they make. Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands.
7 Their feet run to evil,
and they are swift to shed innocent blood;
their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;
desolation and destruction are in their highways.
8 The way of peace they do not know,
and there is no justice in their paths;
they have made their roads crooked;
no one who treads on them knows peace.
Jeremiah 22:3-5: 3 Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.
4 For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people.
5 But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.
Ezekiel 7:23-27: 23 Forge a chain! For the land is full of bloody crimes and the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the nations to take possession of their houses.
25 When anguish comes, they will seek peace, but there shall be none.
26 Disaster comes upon disaster;
rumor follows rumor.
They seek a vision from the prophet,
while the law perishes from the priest
and counsel from the elders.
27 The king mourns, the prince is wrapped in despair, and the hands of the people of the land are paralyzed by terror. According to their way I will do to them, and according to their judgments I will judge them, and they shall know that I am the Lord.”
Ezekiel 8:17-18: 17 Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations that they commit here, that they should fill the land with violence and provoke me still further to anger? Behold, they put the branch to their nose.
18 Therefore I will act in wrath. My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. And though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.
Ezekiel 45:9-10: 9 “Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness. Cease your evictions of my people, declares the Lord God.”
10 You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath.
Hosea 4:1-3: 1 Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land;
2 There is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it languish, and also the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens, and even the fish of the sea are taken away.
Micah 2:1-3: 1 Woe to those who devise wickedness
and work evil on their beds!
When the morning dawns, they perform it,
because it is in the power of their hand.
2 They covet fields and seize them,
and houses, and take them away;
they oppress a man and his house,
a man and his inheritance.
3 Therefore thus says the Lord: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster.
Micah 6:12-14: 12 Your rich men are full of violence;
your inhabitants speak lies,
and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
13 Therefore I strike you with a grievous blow, making you desolate because of your sins.
14 “You shall eat, but not be satisfied,
and there shall be hunger within you;
you shall put away, but not preserve,
and what you preserve I will give to the sword.”
Habakkuk 1:2-4: 2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.
Zephaniah 1:9-11: 9 On that day I will punish everyone who leaps over the threshold and those who fill their master’s house with violence and fraud.
10 “On that day,” declares the Lord,
“a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate,
a wail from the Second Quarter,
a loud crash from the hills.
11 Wail, O inhabitants of the Mortar! For all the traders are no more; all who weigh out silver are cut off.
Matthew 11:12-13: 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,
Matthew 26:52-54: 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”
Luke 3:14-15: 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ,
Romans 12:17-21: 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11: 9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—
10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 4:31-32: 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:8-10: 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
1 Timothy 3:2-3: 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Titus 1:7-8: 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
James 1:19-21: 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
1 Peter 3:8-12: 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.