The sermon of Bro Eli on self-defense gave me a new perspective on what it means to protect our life.
This explains that why security officers and soldiers, they usually carry a weapon to defend others. The Bible explains that the right to defend one's own life is very important.
Wat does that mean? It means that balance between justice and compassion for people and our society. The Cities of Refuge, the book of Numbers, shows that God understands at the end of time and gives space for fair judgment.
It is evident that intention matters and not every killing is rooted in that malice. Bro Eli takes that principle and applies it to these modern times now, urging those in uniform not to just follow the law but to act with humanity.
Our advice is this. To be a sharp shooter, not to kill, but to disarm and to disable. But, it is something that we just rarely hear. This change is a common idea that force always has to be fatal or deadly. Instead, it pushes for restraint, discipline and respect for life.
Even the life of a criminal is worth saving. So, for me, this is a call to choose mercy wherever it is possible. You protect life. And never lose compassion in the process.