Thou Shall not Kill Or Murder

[RANCE ADAMS]

There is a lot more scripture in the OT that we can study to determine what God's moral principles are, besides the Law of Moses (aka. old covenant) that you refer to. To be sure those same principles will be found before the cross and after the cross.
So when Cain killed Abel we can determine that killing, in that case, looked a certain way and God said it was wrong and why it was wrong. God's moral principles or law.
In your last sentence I'm not sure who you are referring to as being 'us' and 'we'. But that is a different topic not included in this discussion.

The OT definitely has application to Christians and is vital for Christianity and is an explanation for the New Covenant and Jesus. It just is not the guide from God on how to live and spend eternity in God's presence. He sent Jesus as His final prophet/messenger to give us His direction/desire for us.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

Evidently you need to know a little bit more about this matter. If we are going to be consistent and make the New Testament our authority (which is true) then we must give heed to ALL that is written therein. Because there are a multitude of lessons for Christians in the Old Testament, we are given the following instructions by the Holy Spirit:
Rom 15:4
4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. ["The Scriptures = Tanach = OT]
2 Tim 3:15-17
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [The holy Scriptures = Tanach = OT]
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. [All Scripture = OT + NT]

Christians should not get overzealous about ignoring the OT. Yes, the Old Covenant has been replaced by the New Covenant. But the whole Bible is an integrated and harmonious revelation of God's heart and mind. We dare not ignore the OT.

It is subjective whether my 35 years of Bible study, teaching, and preaching has not equipped me to comment and understand this matter reasonably; yet I certainly do need to continue to learn and study until I die. I agree with your points. If you'll notice you have stated NT scripture which is what is most important. There are most definitely principles from the OT that Jesus taught that are found in the NT. Romans 15:4 yes we learn from the OT, this does not mean that God want's us to live by the OT teachings. The early Christians had hope from the scriptures (which the scriptures in the NT referred to the OT of course) because of the promise of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 again the scriptures gave hope for a new final ultimate Messiah. vs 16 yes we learn from OT scripture yet the OT was almost all about Jesus. The doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction is applicable to understanding Jesus. Jesus was the most important messenger of God. If the argument is that the teachings of the OT are applicable to Christians then who is to say what principles, commands, instructions we are to follow? There are hundreds, we can't pick and choose. We follow Jesus, and some of His teachings were consistent with what God instructed His people in the OT. It's a dangerous thing to use the OT to argue what we as Christians do because if we follow one command, instruction, example then we must follow all. Again who decides what to follow.

 

[Jim Parker]

Don't know about you, apparently you don't use the principles' of Jesus to guide your life,; however I use the life and teachings of Jesus, not my whims or opinions to direct my thoughts and actions as I am a follower of Jesus.

Short comments in a forum are often misconstrued simply because the medium is not always conducive to clear communication. The challenge is exacerbated by the inability to see the other person to observe "body language."

So, please do not assume to know whether or not someone uses the principle's of Jesus to guide his life based on what they post. When you make that kind of a comment it tends to come across as quite "holier than thou" and Pharisaical.

Just to let you know.

God has been very clear through Jesus that we as followers of Jesus are never justified in killing/murdering.

You are conflating the words "killing" and "murdering." They do not have the same meaning.

Jesus also told His disciples to buy swords. (Luke 22:36) A sword has one purpose. It is the 1st century equivalent to a hand gun. I don't think jesus wanted them to buy one so they could beat it into a plow shear or hang it over their mantle piece.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

Are you saying that you would not call the police in the event of someone breaking the law? And are you justifying that on biblical grounds?

I would hope I would not call the police because yes that would be non biblical. The principle remains the same whether I use violence or request someone else to do the same. I hope I would intervene in the appropriate way depending on the situation and try to resolve the issue even if it meant my own physical harm. Now, if the situation was such that physical harm was not a possibility then yes I could see a situation where calling the police would be appropriate and helpful.

Acts 5:27-29 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

So Paul sinned in that he appeal to ceaser? Or told the guards about the murder plot.yeah roman soldiers not the most gentile of law agents in history.

No, Paul didn't sin. Paul used his Spiritual sword which we are to use and that is The Word. Debating, reasoning, discussion is very much different from physical harm. Sorry I don't know the reference off the top of my head regarding the murder plot, I will need to look at that and study it.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

The command to kill for law enforcement is in Romans 13.the sword. But is it murder or lawful execution or the act of self defense?

I highly doubt self defense is a sin.

Romans 13 is not instruction for God's people to justifiably harm anyone. It is a statement to Christians to obey the state, not to do what they do. The state is an earthly kingdom; Christians are subjects of a Spiritual/heavenly kingdom. A Christians employer does not somehow change what God's will is for them. Who we work for does not usurp Jesus' principles regarding how we are to live, conduct ourselves, and treat others.

 

[brother Paul]

Just to add to the conversation, there are three different words used for killing in the Old Testament. So in order to uncover the circumstances or events under which killing is sometimes allowed, one must take into account the context of the act and which word is being used.

The Hebrew word “rasah” or “rashah”, as it is used here in the 6th Commandment refers most specifically to premeditated murder without just cause. However, it can also be used in the sense of manslaughter, as when one kills by mistake, or without intent, like in the case of Numbers 25:11; Deuteronomy 4:42, 19:4, Joshua 20:3-5, and elsewhere! Thus in Hebrew the specific meaning of this word must always be determined by its’ context. We must always see it in relation to the surrounding statements. In the commandments it is absolute and the law is conditional…
Sin is a transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4) and there are actually 613 commandments…the soul that sins it must die is called the curse of the law but actually goes all the way back to the garden and what is really being said is that sin brings forth sickness and death (spiritual death).

Next, we have the word “hemit”, which carries no sense of guilt or iniquity and is used in the case of righteous capital punishment, or when the killing is the result of an attack from a wild beast, and so on! The root of this word is related to the word “emet” or truth. We see this usage in Leviticus 20:4; Numbers 35:19-21; Deuteronomy 13:10 (your passage) and Deuteronomy 17:7!

Finally, when God orders the execution or destruction of an individual or entire group (like when He commands Joshua at the five cities of Canaan), the word “haraq” is used (See Genesis 20:4; Exodus 4:23, etc.). This form of killing is used specifically in the prevention of foreseen evils usually beyond our comprehension. By eliminating these people, God is actually sparing millions of other people the pain, disease, suffering, and death that they would have caused.
It would be used for example in eliminating an Adolph Hitler. There is absolutely nothing evil in this, in fact it is very good. Therefore, this form of killing is always just, whether or not we finite humans can see the full implications of His doing it.

I think Jim Parker is speaking of circumstance for "haraq". For example, our children are vulnerable and defenseless against assailants. They NEED a defender/protector and that is part of the role God himself designed the male/husband/father to perform. God hardwired us to protect our families from harm (like when the wife/mother is in the final phase of pregnancy or right after birthing). For the God ordained institution of family to exist the family must be preserved, Whoever does not meet the nerds of their family is after all "worse than an infidel".

Christian absolute pacifism is appropriate when we are defending or sharing the gospel (when we are about His work as His body). In THIS circumstance should we be attacked or persecuted we are to be docile and not resist being willing to suffer for Christ as He has suffered for us,

Just my $.02

In His love,

Paul

 

[Jim Parker]

Romans 13 is not instruction for God's people to justifiably harm anyone. It is a statement to Christians to obey the state, not to do what they do. The state is an earthly kingdom; Christians are subjects of a Spiritual/heavenly kingdom.

So then, should a Christian refuse to do military service or serve as any form of police?

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

So then, should a Christian refuse to do military service or serve as any form of police?

I understand the specific questions and situations we all come up with, I do the same. I allow Jesus' principles (His life, actions, words) guide, dictate, and form the foundation of my life. Therefore no matter the situation I lean on the teachings of Jesus. 'Should Christians refuse military service', my view is I don't see that it goes against His teachings; however I would refuse. What ultimately matters is what are you choosing to do: "physically defend" in most cases. Most people in the military are authorized to kill humans. What matters is how we treat one another. Killing another is sin. I don't see how a Christian could be a police office, they are all justified in taking a human life; therefore it contradicts Jesus' teachings to His people. I can't understand why a Christian would want to serve in the military or be a police officer. This is my short answer.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

Without the Bible that Jesus taught from known to the Christian as the first 39 books, a.k.a. the Old Testament) the following 27 Commentaries are meaning, they are the teaching the disciples were given from God from the Jewish Copy of the Bible, Life Application Commentaries.

Purchase yourself a Thompson's Chain Reference Copy of the scriptures you will find that every teaching of Christianity is traced back to those 39 books you speak ill of.

Did not speak ill will of the OT. False accusations. I believe I'm done discussing with you.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

This chapter begins with with Jesus teaching that we are to put our wants and needs aside and to allow the Holy Spirit to live through us. It ends with the warning against the very thing that is happening today in the streets. It does not stand alone but rather needs the light of all scripture to begin to get a grip on what the verse is actually saying.

For instance if I tell one person on the end of a line of twelve people, and tell them all to whisper the same thing into the ear of the next perso n, by the time it reaches the last person I will be lucky if one of my original words can be found in what person twelve says they heard from person eleven.

Context, today, has been dropped from common usage and that should be a crime punishable by death. If I tell you it is raining little cat and puppy dogs out side, the first thing any person must deal with is the fact that I said it is raining. Then you move on to the kittens and puppy dogs. except we has some weather Phenomena such as a tornado. Logic, combined with context and we know i was saying it is raining very hard, at least if your Texan you know that.

Short post found in these forums are not conducive to extensive comprehensive explanations. I assure you I KNOW the context of the scriptures and points I post. Condescension, lack of critical thinking, lack intellectual debate, and fallacious argument tactics are not helpful for anyone to listen or learn hear.

 

[Jim Parker]

I understand the specific questions and situations we all come up with, I do the same. I allow Jesus' principles (His life, actions, words) guide, dictate, and form the foundation of my life. Therefore no matter the situation I lean on the teachings of Jesus. 'Should Christians refuse military service', my view is I don't see that it goes against His teachings; however I would refuse. What ultimately matters is what are you choosing to do: "physically defend" in most cases. Most people in the military are authorized to kill humans. What matters is how we treat one another. Killing another is sin. I don't see how a Christian could be a police office, they are all justified in taking a human life; therefore it contradicts Jesus' teachings to His people. I can't understand why a Christian would want to serve in the military or be a police officer. This is my short answer.

Your response completely avoids the obvious. Police and military are authorized to use deadly force against people who are in the process of using deadly force against victims. So when an ISIS thug is about to behead someone because he's the wrong flavor of Muslim and a sniper takes him out then the sniper has saved an innocent victim's life. The same with police scenarios.

No where in scripture is it prescribed that we allow innocent people to be murdered of that we cannot use deadly force against someone who is using deadly force against his victim.

And, since Jesus specifically told his disciples to buy swords, which are tools to employ deadly force, your position is not supported by scripture.

If someone is threatening to kill innocent people and I can do something about it then I have a DUTY to do so. To know to do good and to fail to do it is sin. (Jas 4:17)

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

Short comments in a forum are often misconstrued simply because the medium is not always conducive to clear communication. The challenge is exacerbated by the inability to see the other person to observe "body language."

So, please do not assume to know whether or not someone uses the principle's of Jesus to guide his life based on what they post. When you make that kind of a comment it tends to come across as quite "holier than thou" and Pharisaical.

Just to let you know.

You are conflating the words "killing" and "murdering." They do not have the same meaning.

Jesus also told His disciples to buy swords. (Luke 22:36) A sword has one purpose. It is the 1st century equivalent to a hand gun. I don't think jesus wanted them to buy one so they could beat it into a plow shear or hang it over their mantle piece.

I definitely don't have a self righteous attitude that causes me to look down on you or anyone. I'm sorry if I came across that way.

Killing/murdering; the semantics don't matter when it comes to Christians. I do understand this thread began with that issue and I'm sorry if I'm off topic. Intentional homicide is wrong according to Jesus.

 

[Jim Parker]

Intentional homicide is wrong according to Jesus.

How about intentional homicide of a person who was about to commit mass murder in order to prevent him from doing so?

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

Your response completely avoids the obvious. Police and military are authorized to use deadly force against people who are in the process of using deadly force against victims. So when an ISIS thug is about to behead someone because he's the wrong flavor of Muslim and a sniper takes him out then the sniper has saved an innocent victim's life. The same with police scenarios.

No where in scripture is it prescribed that we allow innocent people to be murdered of that we cannot use deadly force against someone who is using deadly force against his victim.

And, since Jesus specifically told his disciples to buy swords, which are tools to employ deadly force, your position is not supported by scripture.

If someone is threatening to kill innocent people and I can do something about it then I have a DUTY to do so. To know to do good and to fail to do it is sin. (Jas 4:17)

Yes the police and military are authorized; however followers of Jesus are not! You are talking about an earthly kingdoms that Jesus spoke about regarding that He and His followers are not part of that kingdom.

One can not get authorization from silence in scripture. JESUS DID NOT TELL THE DISCIPLES TO HARM ANYONE WITH THE SWORD. It is a false invalid argument to say: because He told them to obtain swords then they are to use them on people, jumping to a conclusion that is dangerous. IT IS NOT THERE. Also in the same situation when a sword was used by Peter Jesus rebuked Him, what does that IMPLY!

You are incorrect the scriptures do speak about allowing innocent people to die. The ultimate was God allowing the disciples to be murdered when He could have stopped them. Where were the Christians taking up arms for Stephen? There are many more examples of Christians being harmed and killed and not ONE example is found condoning attacking the evil people. The correct way to look at this is; Jesus spoke clearly about evil people and how we treat them.

Jesus taught a way that was extremely contrary to our nature. I don't know why God made us this way then told us to live a different way that is against our nature, it doesn't make human sense but He did it this way. We are to live a life of sacrifice, just like Jesus considering others more important than ourselves.

 

[Jim Parker]

Yes the police and military are authorized; however followers of Jesus are not!

That is patently false.
Please cite scripture which you believe forbids any believer to use deadly force.

JESUS DID NOT TELL THE DISCIPLES TO HARM ANYONE WITH THE SWORD.

What do you imagine is the purpose of a sword?
Why would Jesus tell them to waste money buying a sword if they were forbidden to use it?
That makes no sense.

Also in the same situation when a sword was used by Peter Jesus rebuked Him, what does that IMPLY!

That is not "the same situation" at all.
Jesus rebuked Peter then for the same reason He rebuked Peter when he told Jesus that they would not let him be crucified. Peter was trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing His purpose of dying for all mankind and raising on the third day thereby destroying the power of sin and death.
It was NOT because Jesus wanted Peter to carry the extra weight of a sword around for no reason at all.

The ultimate was God allowing the disciples to be murdered when He could have stopped them.

There is an immense difference between martyrdom (being killed because of your faith in God) and being the victim of a murderous thug. Your equating of the two situations is totally illogical.

It is immoral IMO to allow innocent people to be murdered at the hands of thugs, thieves, murderers, terrorists, You don't seem to have a problem with that.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

That is patently false.
Please cite scripture which you believe forbids any believer to use deadly force.

What do you imagine is the purpose of a sword?
Why would Jesus tell them to waste money buying a sword if they were forbidden to use it?
That makes no sense.

That is not "the same situation" at all.
Jesus rebuked Peter then for the same reason He rebuked Peter when he told Jesus that they would not let him be crucified. Peter was trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing His purpose of dying for all mankind and raising on the third day thereby destroying the power of sin and death.
It was NOT because Jesus wanted Peter to carry the extra weight of a sword around for no reason at all.

There is an immense difference between martyrdom (being killed because of your faith in God) and being the victim of a murderous thug. Your equating of the two situations is totally illogical.

It is immoral IMO to allow innocent people to be murdered at the hands of thugs, thieves, murderers, terrorists, You don't seem to have a problem with that.

Hopefully you will take the time to read the following, I realize it's alot. I can provide more scripture, and I'm sorry if some scripture listed is not as applicable as others. I copied and pasted some of the scriptures in one of my Bible studies I thought was appropriate.

What do you imagine is the purpose of a sword?
Again your making an invalid argument regarding purchasing swords. What did Jesus say to do with the swords, nothing? Therefore you can not impose your assumption to completely usurp the vast theme of Jesus' teachings of absolute love. Even if this was valid how do you determine when Jesus would want us to use them? Jesus didn't say. That's the fallacy. You can't draw any conclusion other than what Jesus said.

That is not "the same situation" at all.
Again how do you know Jesus rebuking Peter is not the same situation? It is because of the invalid assumption you are making regarding the swords.

I am not immoral for not killing someone. It would be immoral for me to not sacrifice myself for another. Your and my opinion doesn't matter, Jesus was clear regarding how we treat EVERYONE. Again, never does He condone His followers harming another person.

Are there different kinds of enemies? Is a person attacking me a different enemy than a person attacking someone else? Are they not both my enemy?

How are we to treat our enemies?
WHAT IS LOVE
1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Is patient
Is kind
Is not jealous
Does not brag
Is not arrogant
Is not unbecomingly
Does not seek its own
Is not provoked
Does not take account of wrongs suffered
Does not rejoice in unrighteousness
Rejoices with truth
Bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things
Never fails
These characteristics of love is what should be evident in our interactions of people including our enemies and evil people​

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, lend expecting nothing in return

Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Our fighting is not against people (flesh & blood), it is against spiritual forces
The foundation for Christianity is service. We are servants to be used and even abused.
God does not prohibit us from verbally stating mistreatment and verbally defending ourselves, Jesus and His disciples did this. God even tells us that in our Spiritual warfare that our sword is the Word.​

Any mistreatment to you is to be expected as a Christian however; not only do you not have to be silent, you should voice any wrong and speak the truth.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
Romans 12 & 13 Don’t be conformed to this world; Bless those who persecute you; Never pay back evil for evil to anyone; Never take your own revenge, wrath belongs to God; If enemy is hungry feed him, thirsty, give drink; Overcome evil with good

Romans 12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

​

Romans 12:19-21 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:38-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

That is patently false.
Please cite scripture which you believe forbids any believer to use deadly force.

What do you imagine is the purpose of a sword?
Why would Jesus tell them to waste money buying a sword if they were forbidden to use it?
That makes no sense.

That is not "the same situation" at all.
Jesus rebuked Peter then for the same reason He rebuked Peter when he told Jesus that they would not let him be crucified. Peter was trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing His purpose of dying for all mankind and raising on the third day thereby destroying the power of sin and death.
It was NOT because Jesus wanted Peter to carry the extra weight of a sword around for no reason at all.

There is an immense difference between martyrdom (being killed because of your faith in God) and being the victim of a murderous thug. Your equating of the two situations is totally illogical.

It is immoral IMO to allow innocent people to be murdered at the hands of thugs, thieves, murderers, terrorists, You don't seem to have a problem with that.

More scripture

Luke 6:27-36 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:27-31 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Luke 6:27 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
Luke 6:31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

Immediately after Jesus talks about loving enemies He says do not judge. This implies it is not up to us to decide who deserves love and who doesn’t​

Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:37-38 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you.
Luke 22:49-51 When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.
Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God
1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Don’t suffer as a murderer, thief, or evildoer. Expect to suffer, no mention of fighting or defending self​

John 16:1-4 These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Matthew 10:21-23 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.
Luke 21:12-19 Jesus said: “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

 

[RANCE ADAMS]

How about intentional homicide of a person who was about to commit mass murder in order to prevent him from doing so?

Same issue, I've already addressed this

 

[brujaq]

I would hope I would not call the police because yes that would be non biblical. The principle remains the same whether I use violence or request someone else to do the same. I hope I would intervene in the appropriate way depending on the situation and try to resolve the issue even if it meant my own physical harm. Now, if the situation was such that physical harm was not a possibility then yes I could see a situation where calling the police would be appropriate and helpful.

Acts 5:27-29 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

You wouldn't call the police ? That's your business .. Romans 13:1-7 ... And if there's no police and I kill a crook in self defense of any one then we have Law, courts and judges to clean it up, all in order .. And if I attempt to jump on a couple of loud mouth drunk marines while out witnessing who insulted some girls from our church but got pulled off them where I acted in un-disciplined natural impulse . I can't get forgiveness ..

Your comment on Ananias and Saphira vs the OT ? Acts 5:1-11