Non-Violence

Non-violence, as a principle, is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the broader narrative of the New Testament. The call to non-violence is often associated with the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus presents a radical departure from the retributive justice of the Old Testament. In Matthew 5:38-39 , Jesus states, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." This teaching emphasizes the rejection of retaliation and the embrace of forgiveness and love, even towards one's enemies.

The Apostle Paul further reinforces this principle in Romans 12:17-21 , where he writes, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Here, Paul echoes the teachings of Christ, urging believers to respond to evil with acts of kindness and to trust in God's ultimate justice.

The early Christian community is often depicted as adhering to these principles, choosing martyrdom over violence. The example of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who prayed for his persecutors even as he was being stoned (Acts 7:60), serves as a powerful testament to the commitment to non-violence.

Spiritual Warfare

While the New Testament advocates for non-violence in physical conflicts, it simultaneously presents a vivid picture of spiritual warfare. This concept is primarily articulated by the Apostle Paul, who describes the Christian life as a battle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. In Ephesians 6:10-12 , Paul writes, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

The "armor of God" metaphor continues in Ephesians 6:13-17 , where believers are instructed to equip themselves with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. This imagery underscores the nature of spiritual warfare as a battle of faith and truth, rather than physical confrontation. The believer's strength is found in the Lord and His power, and the weapons of this warfare are spiritual, designed to stand firm against the deceptions and attacks of the enemy.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 , Paul further elaborates on the nature of this warfare: "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This passage highlights the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of the battle, focusing on the transformation of the mind and the submission of thoughts to Christ.

The New Testament's teachings on non-violence and spiritual warfare present a comprehensive view of the Christian's response to evil. While physical violence is rejected, believers are called to engage in a spiritual struggle, relying on God's power and truth to overcome the forces of darkness.