There is nothing about “protecting oneself” that is difficult, from a worldly perspective at least. What is difficult is how to live Biblically given these very thorny issues. Many early Christians were not willing to fight back and they were slaughtered by the Romans in a most gruesome and painful way, but the love of Christ eventually won out.
The other thing that we see is the idea of “protecting oneself” often morphs into aggressive behavior which makes matters worse.
So what is the answer? Here is a link to a decent article which explains and clarifies the issue and helps us to come to an understanding.
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/did-jesus-teach-pacifism
It is John Piper, so it is well thought out.
FWIIW, sschu
Just to be clear. If your wife or children were being threatened, you will be glad you are not equipped for self defense so you can protect them?
Taking a life whether animal or human should be no easy matter. I hunt less than I used to because it became harder for me. God set up the PUBLIC sacrifice, a bloody, noisy affair so they would understand the value of life. We live in a sanitized world today. Grandma doesn’t die in the back bedroom anymore.
The word sword has several meanings here. Do not discount one or the other nor emphasize one or the other.
Jesus is going to wield a real sword as well as his word, and he may call on us to have one available. Maybe even to use one.
Job_36:12 But if they refuse to listen to Him, they will be killed by the sword and die from lack of understanding.
Psa_63:10 They will die by the sword and become the food of jackals.
Jer_18:21 So let their children starve! Let them die by the sword! Let their wives become childless widows. Let their old men die in a plague, and let their young men be killed in battle!
Lam_4:9 Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger. Starving, they waste away for lack of food from the fields.
Eze_5:12 A third of your people will die in the city from disease and famine. A third of them will be slaughtered by the enemy outside the city walls. And I will scatter a third to the winds, chasing them with My sword.
Eze_33:27 “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: As surely as I live, those living in the ruins will die by the sword. And I will send wild animals to eat those living in the open fields. Those hiding in the forts and caves will die of disease.
Dan_11:33 “Wise leaders will give instruction to many, but these teachers will die by fire and sword, or they will be jailed and robbed.
Amo_9:10 But all the sinners will die by the sword—all those who say, ‘Nothing bad will happen to us.’
Mat_26:52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.
Rev_13:10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.