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NASB | Romans 13:4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 13:4 For he is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner's] sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. |
Bible Question (short): Bearing arms as a Christian |
Question (full): As a member of the Armed Forces currently serving in Iraq, how can I, as a Christian, faithfully live out Jesus's command to love my enemies, turn the other cheek, etc., in the wake of the recent downed helicopters and other attacks? Can I in good conscience bear arms as a Christian, when Jesus on the one hand says "he who lives by the sword will die by the sword," but on the other hand the lives of my fellow soldiers and of innocent civilians may someday depend on my willingness to fight? --Cheryl |