I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.
I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.
But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.
So what are we to do?
Good question.
First, before I respond I should say that I was trained in the US Army Infantry and Artillery. I was shown and taught to shoot every weapon that you have heard of and even seen in movies up and including 155 MM howitzers. Then in combat in Vietnam I actually did use almost all of them at one time or another to protect both myself and my brothers in arms.
Luke 6:31.
"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
So then, should I own a gun and be prepared to protect myself and my family?
YES!
1 Timothy 5:8 ......
"Anyone
who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
I believe 1 Timothy 5:8 refers not just to providing food and shelter for family members, but protection as well.
Just as you have a responsibility to know when to lay down your weapon, you also have the responsibility to know when to shoot. Each man or woman must decide in their own heart in what instances they will engage.
The Bible regularly talks about defending the innocent and caring for those in danger. This is a great responsibility, because if you engage an attacker, whether in your own home or out in public, you will have to live with that choice for the rest of your life.
If you decide to own a firearm, you must decide when you will and will not get involved in a situation, should it arise.
In Luke 22, Jesus gives a directive to his disciples that is used quite regularly in the gun debate. He states,
And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”
Jesus was not instructing them to purchase swords as a means to become violent men. Jesus was instructing them to buy swords to stand ready to do violence should the time come to defend the innocent, their family, or their self.