In the context of the Bible, "harms" refers to actions or circumstances that cause physical, emotional, or spiritual injury or damage. The concept of harm is addressed throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that lead to the detriment of oneself or others. The Bible provides guidance on how to live a life that minimizes harm and promotes peace, love, and righteousness.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the concept of harm, particularly in the context of the Law given to the Israelites. The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17, provide foundational principles that, when followed, prevent harm to individuals and the community. For example, the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) directly prohibits causing physical harm to others.

Proverbs, a book of wisdom literature, often contrasts the ways of the righteous with those of the wicked, highlighting the consequences of harmful actions. Proverbs 3:29 advises, "Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully beside you" . This verse underscores the importance of maintaining trust and peace within the community.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ expands on the concept of harm by emphasizing love and forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This radical call to love even those who may cause harm reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of harm in his epistles. In Romans 13:10, he writes, "Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" . Paul emphasizes that genuine love seeks the good of others and refrains from causing harm.

Spiritual Harm

Beyond physical and emotional harm, the Bible warns against spiritual harm, which can lead individuals away from God. False teachings and idolatry are examples of spiritual harm that the Scriptures caution against. In 2 Peter 2:1, Peter warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies that will even deny the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves" .

Avoiding Harm

The Bible encourages believers to live in a manner that avoids harm and promotes healing and reconciliation. James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires" . This passage highlights the importance of self-control and patience in preventing harm.

Furthermore, the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes, cultivated by the Holy Spirit, equip believers to live in a way that minimizes harm and reflects the character of Christ.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of harm in a fallen world, it provides a framework for believers to navigate life in a way that seeks to prevent harm and promote the well-being of others. Through adherence to biblical principles and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to be agents of healing and reconciliation in a world marred by sin and suffering.

"There be Deeds Evil done in Our Sight, and So Great Harms Taken ...
... THE THIRTEENTH REVELATION CHAPTER XXXII "There be deeds evil done in our sight,
and so great harms taken, that it seemeth to us that it were impossible that ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xxxii there be deeds.htm

Whether Flattery is a Mortal Sin?
... on Ps.69:4, "Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me:
'Tis well, 'Tis well," says: "The tongue of the flatterer harms more than the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether flattery is a mortal.htm

Whether Bodily Pain is the Greatest Evil?
... Reply to Objection 3: That which harms the better thing is worse than that
which harms the worse. Now a thing is called evil "because ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether bodily pain is the.htm

Whatever Things the Good God Has Created are Very Good.
... For corruption harms, but, less it could diminish goodness, it could not
harm. Either, then, corruption harms not, which cannot ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xii whatever things the good.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... Louis Harms was born in Hanover, in 1809, and then came a time when he was powerfully
convicted of sin. Said he, "I have never known what fear was. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Revelations of Divine Love
... CHAPTER XXXII "There be deeds evil done in our sight, and so great harms taken,
that it seemeth to us that it were impossible that ever it should come to good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/julian/revelations of divine love/

We are Worshippers of one God, of Whose Existence and Character ...
... is a fundamental human right, a privilege of nature, that every man should worship
according to his own convictions: one man's religion neither harms nor helps ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to scapula/chapter ii we are worshippers.htm

The Story of Adam and Eve
... And God said to Cain, "If any one harms Cain, he shall be punished for it." And
the Lord God placed a mark on Cain, so that whoever met him should know him and ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of adam and.htm

Third Part of the Book.
... S. Bernard complains of the harms that he felt in the world whilst he was therein,
and says "the world surrounded me and weighed me down": that is "The world ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/third part of the book.htm

Temperance and the Teen Age
... Cigarette smoking is bad for anybody. It harms the growing tissue, dulls the conscience,
stunts the growth, and steals the brainpower of growing boys. ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvii temperance and the teen.htm

Harms (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harms (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 8:36 But he who does evil
to me, does wrong to his soul: all my haters are in love with death. ...
/h/harms.htm - 6k

Intact (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Untouched, especially by anything that harms, defiles,
or the like; uninjured; undefiled; left complete or entire. ...
/i/intact.htm - 7k

Pure (160 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Free from that which harms, vitiates, weakens, or pollutes;
genuine; real; perfect; -- applied to things and actions. ...
/p/pure.htm - 39k

Harmony (21 Occurrences)

/h/harmony.htm - 13k

Harnassed (1 Occurrence)

/h/harnassed.htm - 6k

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