Q5. Defense against Evil?

[Irmela]

Yes, but it needs to be done in a godly manner, not revengeful or hateful way.

[Irmela]

Yes, but it needs to be done in a godly manner, not revengeful or hateful way. I guess in self-defense.  There are consequenses to actions. One might have forgiven but the "law" takes charge and then it is also could put the "guilty-party" behind bars depending on what had been done.

[Lisa Wolf]

Q5. (Matthew 5:39-44) If the principle that underlies verses 39-42 is found in verse 44 and 22:39, are there times we must defend ourselves physically against evil men in order to fulfill the principle? What might be some examples?  Yes, I believe we always defend ourselves against evil people by first of all starting with prayer.  Perhaps it is an SOS prayer as an immediate response, or it is longer prayer asking God remove or transform to His image an evil 'boulder' in our lives, or in our community, or country.  If an evil someone is demanding sex in a rape situation or trying to kill us, we defend ourselves.  Loving someone as in Matthew 22:39 does not mean tolerating, condoning, or encouraging evil in their lives or actions ever.