40 Bible Verses About Violence (With Commentary)

“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 anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” – Matthew 5:38-39

Bible Verses About Violence

The Nature of Violence

We all know that violence is a destructive force. The Bible clearly addresses the nature of violence not as an act of strength, but rather as a showing of weakness and a lack of self-control. When we read the scriptures, we find that God urges us to turn away from violent actions. Instead of resorting to anger and aggression, we are called to seek peace and understanding. This calls us to reflect on our actions and consider how they align with our faith. By understanding the deep-rooted reasons behind violence, we can work towards compassion and forgiveness, allowing God’s peace to guide our hearts and behavior.

Proverbs 29:22

– Proverbs 29:22

Psalm 11:5

“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.” – Psalm 11:5

Romans 12:19

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19

Exodus 20:13

“You shall not murder.” – Exodus 20:13

James 1:20

“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:20

The Consequences of Violence

When we view violence in light of God’s teachings, we begin to see the significant consequences it brings to our lives and communities. Engaging in violent acts doesn’t just harm others; it can destroy our relationships and our spirits. This is a reminder for us: when we choose violence, we stray further from God’s love and blessings. In our own lives, it is vital to recognize that even the smallest act of anger can lead us down a path we never intended to go. The scriptures remind us to choose love and mercy instead, so we may experience the fullness of God’s grace.

Galatians 5:19

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” – Galatians 5:19

Proverbs 14:17

“A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.” – Proverbs 14:17

Isaiah 54:17

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper, and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17

2 Corinthians 5:10

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due for us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10

Matthew 7:2

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:2

The Call for Peace

As followers of Christ, we have a high calling to pursue peace in all that we do. The Bible speaks repeatedly of the importance of peace and how we should actively seek to create a peaceful environment both within and outside of ourselves. Our faith encourages us to be peacemakers rather than troublemakers. Each day presents us with choices that can either bring comfort or add to the chaos. When we embrace peace, we reflect God’s love and grace. This means standing up against violence while being a source of tranquility in the lives of others.

Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

Romans 14:19

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19

Psalms 34:14

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalms 34:14

Colossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Ephesians 4:3

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a power that we often overlook, especially when faced with violence. The act of forgiving does not condone what has happened, but it releases us from the chains of anger and resentment. By embracing forgiveness, we demonstrate the grace that God has shown us. It is not an easy journey, but through God’s help, we can learn to forgive those who have harmed us. With forgiveness, we set ourselves free and can create an environment where healing can happen. This is truly a reflection of Christ’s love in us.

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Luke 17:3

“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Mark 11:25

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25

The Role of Love

At the center of our Christian faith is love. God calls us to love one another, which includes refraining from acts of violence. In our hearts, we should always be seeking ways to express love towards others, even in difficult situations. Love serves as a powerful foundation that can bring healing and hope to our troubled lives. When we forget love, we risk losing sight of our identity as God’s children. This teaches us that, regardless of the situation, our reactions must be rooted in love and compassion towards others.

1 John 4:8

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Romans 13:10

“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10

John 15:12

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

Seeking guidance through prayer and scripture helps us navigate feelings of violence and anger. We are not alone in our struggles, and turning to God for wisdom allows us to break free from the cycle of violence that can manifest in our lives. When faced with difficult emotions, we should remember to seek God’s counsel and let His Word lead us on a path of righteousness. Surrounding ourselves with wise counsel in our churches and communities can also help us make better decisions that align with God’s will.

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

Psalms 25:9

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” – Psalms 25:9

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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

Isaiah 30:21

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21

Final Thoughts

Violence is a heavy burden that can have significant consequences on our lives and the lives of others. Each of us is called to reflect on our actions, seek peace, embrace forgiveness, and choose love in the face of anger. We learn that through God’s guidance and wisdom, we can break free from the cycle of violence that surrounds us. As we seek to be vessels of His love and grace, we will find healing and hope for ourselves and others.

Let us be encouraged to pursue peace and understanding, even when it feels like a challenge. Each step we take towards love and forgiveness makes a difference, creating ripples of grace in a world that needs it. We have the power to make choices that align with our faith, reflecting God’s heart in our communities and relationships.

As we think about the lessons we’ve learned from these scriptures, we can also explore more topics to deepen our faith, like the importance of humility by visiting this link and learning about God’s strength in adversity at this link.