As Christians, we are called to live in peace and reflect the love of Christ, even in a world filled with conflict and violence. The Bible provides wisdom and instruction on how to respond to violence, whether we encounter it in others or wrestle with it in ourselves. Here are seven themes and passages that guide us in understanding God’s perspective on violence.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Going to War
God Condemns Violence
Throughout the Bible, violence is portrayed as a destructive force that God detests. From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the prophets, God consistently warns against those who commit violent acts. His justice is aligned with peace, not brutality. These verses reveal God’s stance against violence and His call for righteousness among His people.
Genesis 6:11
“Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence.”
Psalm 11:5
“The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.”
Proverbs 3:31
“Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.”
Isaiah 60:18
“Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.”
Ezekiel 8:17
“Have you seen this, son of man? Is it nothing to the people of Judah that they commit these detestable sins, leading the whole nation into violence, thumbing their noses at me, and rousing my fury against them?”
Jesus Teaches Nonviolence
Jesus’ teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, and turning away from retaliation. His radical message to love our enemies and turn the other cheek challenges us to reject violence, even when wronged. These passages highlight how Christ redefines strength through peace and compassion, offering a new way to respond to conflict.
Matthew 5:39
“But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Luke 6:27
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.”
John 18:36
“Jesus answered, ‘My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over… But my Kingdom is not of this world.'”
Romans 12:17
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.”
God Brings Justice Without Violence
God’s justice does not rely on human violence. Scripture teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord and that we are not to take matters into our own hands. God’s justice is perfect and righteous, not impulsive or cruel. These verses emphasize that divine justice brings restoration, not destruction through violence.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
Isaiah 30:18
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”
Psalm 37:28
“For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die.”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”
God Calls Us to Peace
Peace is at the heart of God’s desire for humanity. As believers, we are instructed to be peacemakers, reflecting God’s peace in our relationships and communities. Violence disrupts this harmony, while peace brings healing. These verses call us to pursue peace and live harmoniously with others, trusting in God to resolve conflict.
Matthew 5:9
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Romans 14:19
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
1 Peter 3:11
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Weapons
Violence Starts in the Heart
Jesus taught that violence is more than just physical harm—it begins in the heart with anger, hatred, and unforgiveness. The root of violence must be addressed inwardly through repentance and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. These verses explore how internal attitudes can lead to outward violence, and how God calls us to purity of heart.
Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder.’ If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!”
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
James 4:1-2
“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have… so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: … hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division… Let me tell you again, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.”
God Offers Healing from Violence
Those who have been affected by violence—either as victims or perpetrators—can find healing and redemption in God. Scripture reveals that God is close to the brokenhearted and offers restoration to those who turn to Him. These verses speak hope to those who have suffered and remind us that God is a healer and restorer of broken lives.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me… He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”
Jeremiah 30:17
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.”
Joel 2:25
“The Lord says, ‘I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts…'”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Overcoming Evil with Good
The Bible teaches that good is stronger than evil and that we are to overcome violence not by repaying it but by living according to God’s love. This requires courage, faith, and a deep trust in God’s justice. These verses show us how to respond to evil with goodness, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do.
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”
Luke 6:35
“Love your enemies! Do good to them… Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High.”
1 Peter 2:23
“He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”