Bible Verses About Self Control
September 1, 2024
Bible Verses about Unity
September 1, 2024
Violence is a tragic reality in our world.
It can take many forms, including:
- physical harm
- abuse
- murder
- hatred
- aggression
- threats
- and cruelty.
Many people wonder:
- What does the Bible say about violence?
- Does God approve of violence?
- How should Christians respond to violence?
- What does scripture teach about peace?
The Bible speaks clearly about violence.
While the Bible records many violent events throughout history,
it consistently shows that:
👉 violence is a result of humanity’s sinful nature and broken world.
God repeatedly calls His people toward:
- peace
- justice
- mercy
- self-control
- and love.
⚡ What To Do Right Now
- Reject hatred and revenge in your heart
- Ask God to help you respond with wisdom and self-control
- Pursue peace whenever possible
- Pray for those affected by violence
- Remember that God values every human life
👉 Followers of Christ are called to be people of peace
What the Bible Says About Violence
The Bible does not ignore violence.
From the early chapters of Genesis,
scripture shows the destructive effects of sin through:
- murder
- oppression
- war
- and cruelty.
Genesis 6:11 says:
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Violence is presented as part of humanity’s rebellion against God.
God Does Not Delight in Violence
The Bible repeatedly teaches that God opposes wicked violence.
Psalm 11:5 says:
“The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
This verse shows that God does not celebrate cruelty, oppression, or the enjoyment of harming others.
God cares deeply about:
- justice
- righteousness
- and the protection of innocent people.
Violence Often Begins in the Heart
Many people think violence only refers to physical actions.
But Jesus taught that sinful attitudes can begin long before outward actions occur.
Matthew 5:21–22 warns about:
- anger
- hatred
- and hostility.
The Bible teaches that sinful actions often begin in the heart first.
This means believers should guard against:
- bitterness
- rage
- resentment
- and hatred.
Christians Are Called to Pursue Peace
One of the strongest themes in the New Testament is peace.
Romans 12:18 says:
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Christians are called to:
- seek peace
- avoid unnecessary conflict
- forgive others
- and reject personal revenge.
This does not mean ignoring wrongdoing.
It means responding in ways that honour God.
Revenge Belongs to God
When people are hurt,
the desire for revenge can be strong.
But scripture teaches:
Romans 12:19 says:
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Believers are not called to take personal vengeance.
Instead,
they are called to trust God as the ultimate judge.
Jesus Taught a Different Way
Jesus challenged the culture of retaliation.
Matthew 26:52 says:
“Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
Jesus consistently taught:
- forgiveness
- mercy
- love
- and peace.
His example reminds believers that violence is not the solution to every conflict.
God Promises a Future Without Violence
One day,
God will establish perfect justice and peace.
Isaiah 60:18 says:
“Violence shall no more be heard in thy land…”
The Bible points forward to a future where:
- violence ends
- suffering ends
- and God’s peace reigns forever.
How to Respond to Violence Biblically (Practical Steps)
1. Guard your heart against hatred
Violence often begins internally.
What to do:
- Pray about anger quickly
- Refuse to nurture bitterness
- Ask God to soften your heart
👉 A peaceful heart helps prevent destructive actions
2. Pursue peace whenever possible
God calls believers to be peacemakers.
What to do:
- Seek reconciliation
- Avoid unnecessary conflict
- Respond calmly during disagreements
👉 Peace reflects God’s character
3. Trust God with justice
Not every wrong will be corrected immediately.
What to do:
- Leave revenge to God
- Pray for wisdom
- Focus on righteous responses
👉 God is the ultimate judge
4. Pray for those affected by violence
Many people carry deep wounds because of violence.
What to do:
- Pray for healing
- Pray for protection
- Pray for justice and restoration
👉 Prayer is a powerful response
5. Follow Christ’s example
Jesus demonstrated love even toward those who opposed Him.
What to do:
- Practice forgiveness
- Show mercy
- Respond with grace where possible
👉 Christ is our example
Bible Verses About Violence (KJV)
God Opposes Violence
Psalm 11:5
“The wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
👉 God does not delight in violence or cruelty
Proverbs 3:31
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
👉 Believers should not imitate violent people
Violence Comes From Sin
Genesis 6:11
“The earth was filled with violence.”
👉 Violence is one result of humanity’s fallen condition
Mark 7:21–22
“Out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts… murders…”
👉 Sinful actions begin in the heart
Pursuing Peace
Romans 12:18
“Live peaceably with all men.”
👉 Christians should pursue peace whenever possible
Psalm 34:14
“Seek peace, and pursue it.”
👉 God calls His people to actively seek peace
Rejecting Revenge
Romans 12:19
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
👉 God is the rightful judge
1 Peter 3:9
“Not rendering evil for evil…”
👉 Believers should not repay evil with evil
God’s Future Peace
Isaiah 60:18
“Violence shall no more be heard in thy land.”
👉 God promises a future without violence
Revelation 21:4
“Neither shall there be any more death, neither sorrow…”
👉 God’s kingdom will bring perfect peace
Violence Is Not God’s Final Plan
When we look at the world,
it can seem filled with:
- conflict
- cruelty
- hatred
- and suffering.
But the Bible reminds us that violence is not part of God’s ultimate plan.
God’s kingdom is characterized by:
- righteousness
- justice
- peace
- and love.
This is why believers are called to reflect those values now.
Final Thought
The Bible takes violence seriously.
Scripture teaches that violence often grows from:
- sin
- hatred
- pride
- anger
- and selfishness.
But God calls His people toward:
- peace
- forgiveness
- mercy
- and self-control.
You do not need to:
- live controlled by anger
- seek revenge
- or respond to evil with more evil.
You need to:
- trust God
- pursue peace
- guard your heart
- and follow Christ’s example.
Over time, something begins to happen.
👉 Anger becomes easier to surrender
👉 Peace grows stronger
👉 Forgiveness becomes possible
👉 Your heart becomes more like Christ’s
And instead of being shaped by the violence of the world…
you begin reflecting the peace, mercy, and love of God.
✨ Still Have a Question?
You can send it through the Ask a Bible Question page, and I’ll respond with guidance from God’s Word.
You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel, where I share clear, practical encouragement, and answers to common questions.
