This is a question that has been debated among GODS elect saints. There have been extremes in both directions as to how a true Christian should respond to the violence of an evil person. Some have thought to take no action at all except praying for GOD to do something while others take action of some kind to help the victim.
James 2:15,16,17 James is saying that if anyone has any kind of need it is a Christians obligation out of love to help, if they are able, rather than do nothing or faith without love, which is GODS work in you, is dead if it is not applied in any or all circumstances. Love is a verb , it requires action to be proven. Just saying you love is cheap talk, it’s hearing but not doing.
John says the same thing in 1 John 3:17,18
The scriptures say that GOD knows the thoughts and intents of our human spirits. Hebrews 4:12 HE will know what your true motivations are and HIS judgment is based on this criteria. If you use violence it must only be used when all other options are exhausted and your frame of mind must be love for both the victim and the perpetrator. Use only enough force needed to stop the violence you have encountered and then call the proper authorities to report the incident. If you happen to take the life of the perpetrator this is not murder, it is killing, there is a huge difference between the two. Murder is done with evil intent killing is not. Even the 6th commandment in the law should be interpreted, “thou shalt not do murder”.
How can we be showing GODS love in us if we see an evil person hurting someone but do nothing ? Even if the victim is ourselves we have options. Once I was involved in a situation where a man was threatening me with bodily harm. The first thing I did was silently pray asking GOD what should I do. I heard a voice in my mind say, “tell him to go back into his house and stay there”, and so I spoke those words then to my surprise he did just that. I had often wondered what would have happened if this man had actually attacked me. I believe that GOD in that event would have given me the strength and ability to overcome the man without causing any serious injury to him.
At the return of Jesus the then glorified saints will meet him in the air and a two edged sword placed in their hands to inflict vengeance on the nations, to execute the judgment written against them and this honor is for all GODS saints. Psalm 149 In the future we will be given a major role, an honor, to be used as weapons in HIS vengeance. When GOD said, “vengeance is mine, I will repay” this is how HE does it. We need to have patience now and not seek vengeance before the time appointed and in this current life, even in defense of self or others, never do so with hatred or vengeance in our heart.
Regardless of the specifics of any violent incident we must always call upon GOD for help. Never get yourself into something or anything alone, have GOD go with you. Cast all your cares and needs upon HIM because HE cares for you.
Our prayers to GOD should include our sincere desire to never be in a situation where we would have to use violence but if it did happen that GOD would give us the victory. Even Jesus used a whip to drive the money changers out of the temple showing that he used violence to promote good. Abraham, Moses, king David and Elijah literally killed people as scriptures show but were never condemned for it by GOD. There was one incident where king David murdered Uriah the Hittite and this was indeed a sin and when confronted with his sin repented. Psalm 51 is an account of David’s repentance.
This sort of issue is one requiring deep spiritual understanding but even if you happen to make a mistake and sin we yet have the ability to repent and be forgiven. Taking a life is a very serious thing because you take everything away that a person is, good or evil. This also has the potential to cause within us severe depression for quite some time but GOD will help us through this.
Just as for myself I pray for all of GODS elect saints that they never are faced with this situation but if they are GOD will be with them.
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