Is violence always wrong?

Judges 9:5, 23-24, 56-57He [Abimelech] went to his father’s home at Ophrah, and there, on one stone, they killed all seventy of his half brothers, the sons of Gideon. But the youngest brother, Jotham, escaped and hid. . . . God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted. God was punishing Abimelech for murdering Gideon’s seventy sons, and the citizens of Shechem for supporting him in this treachery of murdering his brothers. . . . In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also punished the men of Shechem for all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Gideon was fulfilled.

Matthew 26:52“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.”

Violence is the use of force to possess or destroy something or someone, whether it is one nation taking land from another, a thief robbing someone’s home, a murderer ending someone’s life, or an abusive spouse trying to destroy their mate’s self-esteem. The Bible is clear that violence for personal pleasure or gain ends in self-destruction and will be judged by God. But in rare cases, as is sometimes shown in the Old Testament, violence is necessary to combat or defeat evil and defend good. In such cases, violence ultimately becomes an expression of love and justice.

Romans 8:13For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

Ephesians 6:10-12A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Colossians 3:5So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Resistance to sin in our lives at times requires a level of violent response.