The Bible does not prohibit all self-defense; it allows for the defense of life while strictly forbidding personal vengeance and retaliation. Jesus commands non-retaliation against personal insult (Matthew 5:39), but He also allowed for the practical carrying of a sword (Luke 22:36). Christian ethics distinguishes between a sinful desire for revenge and the legitimate, proportional use of force to protect innocent life (one’s own or another’s).  

The Bible commands Christians to expect persecution and ridicule (2 Timothy 3:12) and to respond not with bitterness or retaliation, but with joy, blessing, and good works (Matthew 5:11-12). We are called to entrust our ultimate defense to God (1 Peter 4:19), bless those who curse us (Luke 6:28), and let our virtuous conduct be the primary defense and powerful witness to the Gospel.