Why do Christians often support war and violence despite Jesus’ teachings on loving enemies?

Historical Context of War in Scripture

In the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s people found themselves in numerous conflicts with surrounding nations (cf. Joshua 6–12). Events such as the conquest of Canaan served a specific purpose within a historical covenant framework (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:1–2). According to these texts, warfare was at times commanded, regulated, or allowed by God in order to protect or discipline His chosen people. Ecclesiastes 3:8 notes “a time for war, and a time for peace,” reflecting the reality that war existed in a fallen world, and that God sometimes allowed His people to engage in conflict for a broader redemptive plan.

Differentiating Personal Conduct from Civic Duty

When examining Jesus’ teachings about loving enemies (Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”), it is important to distinguish between personal ethics and the role of governments in maintaining order. At the individual level, believers are commanded to refrain from revenge, to love, to pray for enemies, and to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39).

However, Scripture also teaches that governments are instituted by God to uphold justice. Romans 13:4 says of governing authority: “For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.” This suggests that civil authorities can, under certain circumstances, use force legitimately. Consequently, some Christians differentiate their personal responsibility to love and show mercy from their civic duty if they serve in roles where they must protect or preserve societal order—even if that protection sometimes includes the use of force.

Biblical Teachings on Love and Forgiveness

The call to love, forgiveness, and reconciliation permeates the New Testament. Jesus’ teaching on the Sermon on the Mount repeatedly emphasizes mercy (Matthew 5:7) and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24). In Romans 12:17–18, believers are exhorted: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.”

The ultimate model of non-retaliation is Christ Himself, who forgave even those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). These principles guide Christians to lean toward peace, patience, and reconciliation on a personal level. Yet tensions arise when believers also read in Scripture that societies are divinely authorized to bear the sword against evil.

Jesus’ Acknowledgment of Government Authority

Jesus taught submission to proper authority when He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). This recognition that God ordains earthly authorities is a foundation of many Christian views on why the use of force can sometimes be sanctioned.

Though Jesus made it clear His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), He did not abolish government institutions; rather, He pointed to His followers’ higher citizenship in God’s kingdom. As a result, many believers hold that Christians may engage in military or defense roles under earthly authorities while still maintaining Jesus’ call to love in their personal lives.

The Role of Divine Judgment

Biblically, violence in the Old Testament is often connected with questions of divine judgment and justice. Passages such as Genesis 6–9 (the Flood) and the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 7–14) portray God intervening in judgment upon evil. Although the New Testament focuses more on the sacrificial love of Christ, the concept of divine judgment remains. Revelation repeatedly describes God’s final judgment involving conflict or warfare imagery (Revelation 19:11–16).

In this light, some Christians see war, in limited and extreme circumstances, as a temporal means to restrain evil or maintain justice, albeit never as a perfect substitute for God’s ultimate justice. This tension can lead certain believers to support defensive wars or protective force where harm to innocent lives is imminent.

Modern Interpretations and Applications

1. Just War Tradition: Rooted in early Christian thought, this approach maintains that while peace is the ideal, force can be used under very strict moral criteria: just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, last resort, probability of success, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants. Many Christians who support war efforts align their stance with this tradition, believing they are preserving justice and protecting the innocent.

2. Pacifist and Nonviolent Approaches: Other Christians take Jesus’ commands to love enemies as a more absolute duty that overrides any recourse to violence. They often point to the early apostles, who did not resist persecutors but willingly suffered (Acts 5:40–42) as an example of total nonviolence.

3. National Defense versus Personal Vengeance: A key distinction repeatedly drawn is between engaging in national defense or law enforcement (which some interpret as biblically sanctioned) and taking personal vengeance into one’s own hands (Romans 12:19). Christians who support military action generally deny it stems from hatred or a desire for revenge, but rather from a sense of duty to protect others and preserve peace.

Relevant Historical and Anecdotal Evidence

• Early Church Writings: Texts like Augustine’s “City of God” shaped how many believers have processed the necessity and morality of war, influencing centuries of Christian thought on just war.

• Archaeological Discoveries: Excavations of ancient sites in Israel and surrounding regions (e.g., Jericho, Hazor) reveal conflict-laden contexts in which wars described in Scripture occurred. While these findings do not diminish the command to love, they underscore that Scripture arose in times when military defense was often a regular necessity.

• Documented Battles in Church History: From the Crusades to more modern conflicts, Christians have participated in wars that they believed to be just or necessary. Although many debate the morality of those events, it demonstrates how believers through history have wrestled with the interplay of biblical principles and real-world dangers.

Practical Conclusion

Christ’s followers uphold His teaching on love, peace, and prayer for enemies. Nevertheless, many Christians historically and presently believe that in a broken world filled with evil, there are times when defensive force or war becomes necessary to uphold justice and protect the innocent. They see a clear difference in Scripture between personal revenge (forbidden) and the government’s responsibility to wield the sword (permitted when done in a just manner).

Debates and differences on this topic remain, but the underlying aim shared by believers who support war in certain cases is the pursuit of justice and the protection of life, along with a recognition that Scripture grants governments authority to curb wrongdoing. Ultimately, the Christian’s deepest hope is for Christ’s return, when conflict ceases, and the world fully experiences the peace and love that He embodies.