My responsibility to protect my cherished loved ones is paramount. While I strive to emulate Jesus in facing life's greatest challenges, I find myself deviating slightly into minor transgressions when it comes to ensuring my family's well-being. If any misguided individual were to endanger their safety, I would not hesitate to take action. Although I was once uncertain about this, my love for my family has grown stronger, leading me to equip myself more diligently and intelligently. I now view my role as their steadfast guardian and protector.
Discussion
Been having trouble squaring this with the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:38-39: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Matthew 5:43-44: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 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;"
There’s a difference between defending your rights and defending those in your charge. A father’s duty is to protect & provide for his wife and children. Foremost, spiritual protection and provision but also temporal.
Allowing your children to be harmed is not Christlike. Defending them, even to the point of laying down your own life, is.
We are to be like Christ, who gave up himself for his bride/church.
We’re not doormats, we’re to be strong in faith, love and being willing to die for our family.
Matthew 10:16 (ESV): wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
James 1:19 (ESV): be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
Here is a good take on that verse: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-christians-get-wrong-about-turn-the-other-cheek.html
Thank you very much for this. I need to spend some time with this. Thank you.