What is the Bible's stance on stalking?

Definition and Context

Stalking generally involves persistent, unwanted pursuit or harassment that instills fear or distress in the target individual. It can manifest as repeated following, unwanted communication, intimidation, or surveillance. While the specific term “stalking” does not appear in the Bible, Scripture addresses parallel behaviors of harassing, pursuing, and intimidating others. Stalking is contrary to biblical calls for love, respect, and dignity toward one’s neighbor (Romans 13:10).

The Bible provides principles that guard against coercive or harmful actions toward others, affirming that the faithful are to model peace and kindness (Romans 12:18). Throughout Scripture, wrongful pursuit and intimidation violate God’s call to live uprightly and humbly (Micah 6:8). Such behaviors ultimately undermine human relationships and disrupt the community trust that God desires.

Old Testament Principles Against Harmful Pursuit

1. Prohibitions of Harassment and Oppression

Scripture condemns oppressive behaviors that involve persistent harm or distress. Proverbs 6:16–19 vividly lists the acts the LORD despises, including “a heart that devises wicked schemes” and “one who stirs up discord.” Although the word “stalking” is not used, any form of harassment, intimidation, or repeated pursuit designed to frighten or distress someone aligns with these detestable acts.

2. Examples of Pursuit and Escape

The story of King Saul and David exemplifies repeated unwanted pursuit (1 Samuel 18–26). Saul’s jealousy drove him to track David constantly, seeking his life. Though it is not labeled “stalking” in a modern sense, Saul’s relentless obsession serves as a biblical picture of harmful pursuit. David’s response—seeking refuge and refraining from vengeance—demonstrates a call to trust in God rather than retaliate.

3. God’s View of Oppression

The Psalms frequently describe the wicked as those who pursue the innocent. Psalm 10:2 states, “In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.” This verse highlights God’s sensitivity to the plight of those being relentlessly pursued. Such actions, in biblical teaching, provoke God’s judgment and underscore that He defends the oppressed.

New Testament Teachings on Respect and Boundaries

1. Command to Love Others

Love stands at the core of New Testament teaching (Romans 13:10). Repeatedly bothering, intimidating, or frightening someone directly conflicts with the principle of loving one’s neighbor. In 1 Corinthians 13:4–5, love is described as patient and kind, not self-seeking or easily angered. Stalking undermines these virtues by prioritizing one’s own desires over the well-being of the other person.

2. Living Peaceably and Setting Boundaries

Believers are instructed to live at peace with everyone, if possible (Romans 12:18). Stalking, by definition, creates an atmosphere of perpetual tension rather than peace. Wholehearted adherence to the gospel fosters safe boundaries and healthy relationships that respect the dignity and autonomy of others.

3. Respect for Individual Autonomy

Harassment or persistent unwanted pursuit dishonors the freedom and security that each individual should possess. The New Testament emphasizes mutual respect in relationships (1 Peter 4:8). Where repeated intrusion and intimidation occur, it signifies a heart posture at odds with biblical character, such as gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

The Heart Attitude Behind Stalking

1. Control and Obsession

Stalking often stems from a desire to control or obsess over another person. Biblically, such an attitude reflects forms of idolatry, where one exalts personal wants or power over obedience to God’s commands of love and humility (Exodus 20:3–4). Any motivation leading to intimidation or disregard for a neighbor’s well-being contradicts the spirit of Christian conduct.

2. Fear and Harm

The Bible teaches that God’s perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). In contrast, stalking creates an environment of fear and psychological harm, which runs counter to God’s intent for human relationships. The manipulative nature of this behavior reveals an absence of genuine love and a preoccupation with self-directed motives.

3. Violation of Trust

Stalking shatters trust, a foundational element in both communal and personal relationships. By instilling perpetual anxiety, it breaks the biblical standard of caring for one another. Ephesians 4:32 commands believers to “be kind and tenderhearted,” indicating that healthy relationships should be built on compassion, not coercion or domination.

Practical Guidance for Addressing Stalking

1. Protecting the Vulnerable

Scripture repeatedly commands believers to care for and protect the oppressed (Psalm 82:3–4). If someone is experiencing stalking or being relentlessly pursued, the biblical principle is to ensure their safety, advocate for them, and seek proper recourse from trustworthy authorities.

2. Confronting Sin

When an individual exhibits stalking behavior, biblical directives counsel correction and repentance. Matthew 18:15–17 outlines a process for addressing wrongdoing among believers, which can extend to bringing cases to local church leadership or, if necessary, to public legal systems for protection and justice.

3. Pursuing Reconciliation

The goal, when possible, is restoration guided by wisdom and safety. True repentance includes turning away from destructive behavior and seeking to make amends. However, reconciling with someone guilty of stalking must consider the victim’s welfare, and boundaries or legal frameworks may remain in place to protect against harm.

4. Prayer and Spiritual Support

Stalking devastates victims emotionally and spiritually. Scripture reassures believers that God remains near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Those who suffer can find solace in prayer, Christian fellowship, and the guidance of wise counsel, trusting that the Holy Spirit can heal emotional wounds and transform hearts.

Conclusion

The Bible’s stance on any form of harmful pursuit parallels its condemnation of oppression, fearmongering, and behaviors that disregard others’ safety and well-being. From Old Testament examples, like Saul’s relentless pursuit of David, to New Testament admonitions to love, live peaceably, and set proper boundaries, Scripture consistently upholds the sanctity of human dignity.

Stalking disrupts the peace, love, and benevolence that the Bible teaches believers to embody. At its core, it conflicts with the ethic to love one’s neighbor (Romans 13:10) and to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God (Micah 6:8). Protecting the vulnerable and pursuing justice wherever stalking appears reflect biblical principles and honor the character of a God who defends the oppressed.

Ultimately, the consistent thread in God’s Word calls for transformed hearts that value each person’s safety and fulfillment, promoting a community shaped by mutual respect and compassion. By renouncing stalking and all forms of harassment, believers and communities uphold the biblical mandate to love one another sincerely and to live in a manner consistent with the peace and holiness that God desires.