The Bible strongly condemns causing harm, whether to people or property. Scripture teaches love and respect, guiding us to avoid actions that hurt others. Here’s how the Bible advises us to lead a life free from causing harm.
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What Does The Bible Say About Causing Harm
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This verse highlights the abhorrence of the Lord towards those who cause harm to others. It specifically emphasizes the wickedness of shedding innocent blood, engaging in deceit, planning evil schemes, and stirring up conflict. These actions are contrary to God’s desire for love, justice, and peace.
As Christians, we are called to reject and condemn any form of harm inflicted upon others. Instead, we are to pursue righteousness, truth, and reconciliation, seeking to bring harmony and healing to our communities.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of causing harm. Those who show kindness toward others not only benefit those they help but also experience personal reward and fulfillment. On the contrary, those who act with cruelty and inflict harm will ultimately bring ruin upon themselves.
As Christians, we are called to embody kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. By doing so, we not only contribute to the well-being of those around us but also cultivate a positive and prosperous life for ourselves.
Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
This verse presents a crucial teaching from Jesus regarding the use of violence and causing harm. Jesus admonishes His disciples to put away their weapons, warning them that those who resort to violence will ultimately face its destructive consequences.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reject the use of force and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Instead of causing harm, we are to pursue reconciliation and strive to be peacemakers in a world marked by strife and division.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
In this verse, Peter encourages believers to resist the temptation to retaliate or seek revenge when faced with harm or insults. Instead, we are called to respond with blessings and love, knowing that in doing so, we align ourselves with the will of God and secure His blessings in our lives.
As Christians, we are to break the cycle of harm by responding to evil with kindness, forgiveness, and grace. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and open the possibility for transformation and healing.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul reminds us in this verse to resist the inclination to repay harm or evil with more of the same. Instead, we are to strive to do what is right and seek to live in peace with everyone to the best of our ability.
As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to promote peace and reconciliation. This requires us to rise above the urge for revenge or retaliation and pursue actions that build bridges, foster understanding, and promote harmony in our relationships and communities.
Proverbs 3:29
“Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.”
This verse warns against scheming or planning harm against our neighbors, particularly those who live in close proximity to us and have placed their trust in us. It highlights the importance of maintaining a spirit of trustworthiness and goodwill towards others.
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat them with fairness, respect, and kindness. We are to reject any thoughts or actions that seek to harm or take advantage of those around us, but instead, to foster relationships based on trust and genuine care.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
In this verse, Solomon emphasizes the impact of our words on others. Responding with gentleness and humility can diffuse anger and defuse potentially harmful situations. Conversely, responding with harshness or aggression only serves to escalate tensions and foster further harm.
As Christians, we are called to communicate with love, grace, and understanding. By choosing our words with wisdom and speaking gently, we can contribute to a peaceful atmosphere and avoid the escalation of conflicts that often lead to harm.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Paul instructs the Thessalonian believers to refrain from seeking revenge or returning harm for harm. Instead, he encourages them to actively pursue opportunities to do good, not only for one another but also for all people.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody a spirit of love, kindness, and generosity towards everyone we encounter. By consistently choosing to do good, we contribute to a culture that values the well-being and dignity of others, rather than causing harm.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In this verse, Paul reminds believers to resist being overwhelmed by evil or succumbing to its temptations. Rather, we are called to overcome evil by intentionally choosing to respond with acts of goodness, love, and compassion.
As Christians, we have the power, through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, to rise above the destructive forces of evil. By actively engaging in acts of goodness and living out the teachings of Christ, we can bring about transformation and healing, countering the harm that exists in the world.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
God commands His people to abstain from seeking vengeance or holding grudges against others. Instead, they are to demonstrate love and care towards their neighbors, treating them in the same way they would want to be treated.
As Christians, we are called to extend love and forgiveness to our neighbors, recognizing that every individual is created in the image of God. By embracing the command to love our neighbors as ourselves, we actively oppose causing harm and foster a culture of reconciliation and restoration.
1 Peter 2:23
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
This verse describes Jesus’ response to insults, suffering, and threats. He did not respond with retaliation or revenge but entrusted Himself to God, who is the ultimate judge of justice.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example. When faced with harm or mistreatment, we are to entrust our situation to God and resist the temptation to seek personal retribution. By doing so, we demonstrate a faith that rests in God’s justice and seek a higher, more redemptive response.
Proverbs 21:15
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
This verse highlights the correlation between justice and righteousness. When justice is served, it brings joy and satisfaction to those who uphold righteousness. Conversely, evildoers face fear and the consequences of their harmful actions.
As Christians, we are called to actively pursue justice and righteousness. We should advocate for fairness, equality, and the well-being of all people. By doing so, we contribute to a society where harm is met with just consequences and where righteousness is upheld.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
In this verse, Solomon contrasts the destructive nature of hatred that fuels conflict with the redemptive power of love that can cover and heal wrongs. Love has the ability to bring reconciliation and restoration, whereas hatred perpetuates harm and division.
As Christians, we are called to embody love in all our relationships. By extending forgiveness, grace, and compassion, we can help mend broken relationships and create an environment where harm is replaced by healing and restoration.
Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Jesus challenges His followers to respond to harm with non-resistance. Instead of seeking retaliation, Christians are called to show humility and willingness to absorb insults or injustices for the sake of a greater purpose.
By turning the other cheek, we demonstrate a commitment to peace, refusal to perpetuate violence, and a desire for the transformation of our enemies. It is an invitation to break the cycle of harm and seek reconciliation.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
In this verse, Jesus challenges His followers to extend love and pray for their enemies, even those who cause them harm or persecute them. This command reflects God’s unconditional love and desire for the redemption of all people.
As Christians, we are called to love and pray for those who wrong us, recognizing their inherent worth and the possibility of transformation. By doing so, we actively combat harm and contribute to the work of reconciliation and peace.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse contrasts the sinfulness of despising one’s neighbor with the blessedness of showing kindness and assistance to those in need. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect, compassion, and generosity.
As Christians, we are called to see the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. By extending kindness and assistance to those in need, we actively oppose harm and contribute to the building of a just and compassionate society.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse encourages believers to respond to their enemies’ needs with acts of kindness and provision. By doing so, it is possible to surprise and potentially awaken a change of heart in those who cause harm, leading to remorse and repentance.
As Christians, we are called to go beyond merely refraining from causing harm and actively seek opportunities to do good, even to those who are hostile towards us. By responding to their needs, we can demonstrate the transformative power of love and potentially bring about reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse urges believers to let go of harmful attitudes and behaviors such as bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Instead, we are called to embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, reflecting the forgiveness we have received through Christ.
As Christians, we are to reject the impulse to cause harm and seek to cultivate virtues that promote peace and reconciliation. By extending kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, we can break the cycle of harm and contribute to the healing of relationships and communities.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus challenges His listeners to go beyond societal norms and to actively love their enemies. He calls His followers to extend acts of goodness, blessings, and prayers to those who cause them harm or mistreatment.
As Christians, we are called to demonstrate a love that transcends personal boundaries and preferences. By doing good and praying for those who mistreat us, we reflect the love and grace that God has bestowed upon us, seeking to transform hearts and promote reconciliation.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse describes the characteristics produced in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit. These fruits, such as love, kindness, peace, and self-control, are the antidote to harm and form the foundation for healthy relationships and peaceful coexistence.
As Christians, we are to strive to cultivate these fruits in our lives, allowing them to shape our actions and interactions with others. By embodying these qualities, we actively work against causing harm and contribute to a culture where love, peace, and righteousness thrive.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Paul encourages believers to seize every opportunity to do good to everyone, particularly fellow believers. This instruction emphasizes the universality of doing good and extends it to our relationships within the faith community.
As Christians, we are called to demonstrate goodness and kindness to all people, irrespective of their beliefs or backgrounds. By actively seeking opportunities to do good, we display the love of Christ and contribute to the reconciliation and well-being of all.
James 4:11-12
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
This passage calls believers to refrain from slandering and judging one another. It highlights that the act of judging others contradicts the principles of God’s law, which is meant to be upheld by Him alone, the ultimate Lawgiver and Judge.
As Christians, we are called to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness towards one another, recognizing that judgment lies in the hands of God. By refraining from causing harm through slander or judgment, we promote unity and cultivate an atmosphere of love and acceptance among believers.