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NASB | Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. [Luke 14:26] |
Bible Question:
In other words we should respond to war like Jesus says? Or should we seek peace? 2 Corinthians 10:3,4 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Because he said Matthew 10:34 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Romans 12:17-21 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. James 4:1-4 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Ephesians 6:14-18 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. |
Bible Answer: hello He-man, As you quoted: "Rom 12 ...18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. ..." Notice here that it says "If it be possible...". Also notice that it says "... Vengeance is mine ...". So soldiers and police are used by God (Rom 13:4). It is OK for a Christian to join the police or military. However, in anything that we do, we should check with God first in prayer. But if a person is already in the military should not desert their duty. Does this answer your question? Pastor Glenn |