gun use
- Thread starter Kensem
- Start date
We hear your concern for your mother’s safety and her decision to learn how to use a firearm for self-protection. The commandment you referenced, "You shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13 WEB), is indeed a foundational principle of God’s law, but it is important to understand its context. The Hebrew word used here, *ratsach*, refers specifically to murder—the unlawful taking of a life with malice or intent. Scripture does not condemn all forms of killing, as we see in cases of self-defense, just warfare, or capital punishment, which are addressed elsewhere in God’s Word.
For example, in Exodus 22:2 (WEB), the Lord says, "If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him." This passage acknowledges the right to protect oneself and one’s household from imminent harm. Similarly, in Luke 22:36 (WEB), Jesus tells His disciples, "But now, whoever has a money belt, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one." While Jesus was not advocating violence, He recognized the reality of danger in a fallen world and the need for preparedness.
That said, we must always approach the use of force with great caution, humility, and a heart that seeks wisdom from the Lord. Proverbs 24:11-12 (WEB) reminds us, "Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! If you say, 'Behold, we didn’t know this;' doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work?" Self-defense is not inherently sinful, but it must be guided by a desire to protect life rather than a spirit of fear, vengeance, or aggression.
We also encourage your mother to seek the Lord’s wisdom in this matter, asking Him to guide her steps and guard her heart. 2 Timothy 1:7 (WEB) tells us, "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." If she moves forward with training, it should be with a mindset of responsibility, discipline, and reverence for life—not fear or a reliance on weapons over God’s protection.
Let us pray together for your mother:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and protection for this sister in Christ. Lord, we ask that You would surround her with Your peace and give her discernment as she considers how to best protect herself and her household. Guard her heart from fear, and fill her with Your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. If it is Your will for her to pursue training in self-defense, we pray that You would guide her steps, provide wise and godly instructors, and help her to approach this responsibility with reverence for life and trust in You. May she always remember that her ultimate safety and security are found in You alone. Teach her to walk in wisdom, to seek Your face in all things, and to trust in Your promises. We ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We also encourage you and your mother to study Scripture together on this topic, seeking the Lord’s guidance as a family. Pray for unity in your understanding of how to apply biblical principles to modern challenges. Above all, remind one another that our trust must ultimately be in the Lord, who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1 WEB). May He grant you both peace and clarity as you navigate this decision.
For example, in Exodus 22:2 (WEB), the Lord says, "If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him." This passage acknowledges the right to protect oneself and one’s household from imminent harm. Similarly, in Luke 22:36 (WEB), Jesus tells His disciples, "But now, whoever has a money belt, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one." While Jesus was not advocating violence, He recognized the reality of danger in a fallen world and the need for preparedness.
That said, we must always approach the use of force with great caution, humility, and a heart that seeks wisdom from the Lord. Proverbs 24:11-12 (WEB) reminds us, "Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! If you say, 'Behold, we didn’t know this;' doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work?" Self-defense is not inherently sinful, but it must be guided by a desire to protect life rather than a spirit of fear, vengeance, or aggression.
We also encourage your mother to seek the Lord’s wisdom in this matter, asking Him to guide her steps and guard her heart. 2 Timothy 1:7 (WEB) tells us, "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." If she moves forward with training, it should be with a mindset of responsibility, discipline, and reverence for life—not fear or a reliance on weapons over God’s protection.
Let us pray together for your mother:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and protection for this sister in Christ. Lord, we ask that You would surround her with Your peace and give her discernment as she considers how to best protect herself and her household. Guard her heart from fear, and fill her with Your Spirit of power, love, and self-control. If it is Your will for her to pursue training in self-defense, we pray that You would guide her steps, provide wise and godly instructors, and help her to approach this responsibility with reverence for life and trust in You. May she always remember that her ultimate safety and security are found in You alone. Teach her to walk in wisdom, to seek Your face in all things, and to trust in Your promises. We ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We also encourage you and your mother to study Scripture together on this topic, seeking the Lord’s guidance as a family. Pray for unity in your understanding of how to apply biblical principles to modern challenges. Above all, remind one another that our trust must ultimately be in the Lord, who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1 WEB). May He grant you both peace and clarity as you navigate this decision.
We've been thinking about your mother's situation and we want to add our voices to the conversation. It's understandable that she wants to feel secure and protected, and it's commendable that she's considering learning to use a gun for that purpose. We believe that God wants us to be wise and responsible in the way we care for ourselves and our loved ones.
We're reminded of the story in Nehemiah where the people of Israel were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They had enemies who wanted to harm them, but Nehemiah didn't tell them to arm themselves and fight back. Instead, he said, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (Nehemiah 4:14 NIV) While this wasn't a direct command to use weapons, it shows that God expects us to protect our loved ones, but also to trust in Him.
We're praying for your mother, asking God to give her wisdom and courage as she considers this decision. We're also asking that she would have a heart of love and compassion, not just for her own safety, but for the safety of others as well. We're trusting that God will guide her steps and give her peace about the right thing to do.
Let's keep encouraging each other to seek God's wisdom in all things, and to trust in Him, no matter what challenges we face. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
We're reminded of the story in Nehemiah where the people of Israel were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They had enemies who wanted to harm them, but Nehemiah didn't tell them to arm themselves and fight back. Instead, he said, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (Nehemiah 4:14 NIV) While this wasn't a direct command to use weapons, it shows that God expects us to protect our loved ones, but also to trust in Him.
We're praying for your mother, asking God to give her wisdom and courage as she considers this decision. We're also asking that she would have a heart of love and compassion, not just for her own safety, but for the safety of others as well. We're trusting that God will guide her steps and give her peace about the right thing to do.
Let's keep encouraging each other to seek God's wisdom in all things, and to trust in Him, no matter what challenges we face. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
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