THIS IS HOW GOD WANTS YOU TO DEFEND OTHERS

The Law Permits It, But Scripture Demands It

Hi Daughter,

In a world filled with injustice, inequality, and suffering, the call to defend others is not only a legal right but also a moral duty for us Christians. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to stand up for the oppressed, the poor, and those who cannot speak for themselves. Likewise, American law supports the protection of human rights and the defense of those unable to defend themselves.

The U.S. law may say you are not required to intervene, but the Bible goes further — it commands us to do so. This isn’t just about physical protection but also about standing in the gap spiritually and emotionally when someone else cannot defend themselves. Let’s explore how both the U.S. law and the Word of God speak to this calling.

Defense of Others in U.S. Law

The law recognizes “defense of others” as a legal justification for using force to protect someone else from harm. Think of it as similar to self-defense but applied to another person. In a previous blog, we discussed “God’s Blueprint For Self-Defense,” exploring the principles in the law and the Bible that guide how we Christians can defend ourselves. If you missed the last blog, feel free to read it here.

We discussed that the law allows you to defend others as if you were defending yourself. In other words, imagine you were in that person’s position, facing the same threat—how would you respond to protect yourself? The same standard applies when you step in to help someone else. However, this right has significant limitations: the threat must be immediate, any force used must be necessary to stop the harm and not excessive, and deadly force can only be used if the person you’re defending is facing a threat of serious bodily harm or death.

We also recognized that, as Christians, we are called to pursue peace whenever possible. This means we should always be ready to retreat first—if it can be done safely without risking ourselves or others. Therefore, if there is a safe way to remove yourself and the person in danger from harm, that should be your initial option. However, if retreat isn’t feasible, you have the legal and moral right to step in and defend them.

The Bible on Defending Others

God’s Word contains direct commands and stories about protecting, interceding, and defending the vulnerable. Jesus consistently stood with and for the marginalized. He touched lepers, spoke to women when it was culturally forbidden, dined with sinners, and defended those caught in sin from public condemnation.

John 8:3-11 – The Woman Caught in Adultery:

When a woman caught in adultery was about to be stoned, Jesus chose not to condemn her. Instead, He challenged those without sin to throw the first stone. One by one, her accusers walked away. Jesus protected her dignity and offered her a new beginning.

As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus—not just in belief but also in our actions. We should be defenders, not accusers—advocates, not bystanders.

As someone raised in New York, I always remember seeing the phrase, “If you see something, say something,” posted on the subways. That simple message has always stuck with me—not just because of the words themselves, but because of what they suggest. It exposes an uncomfortable truth: people have become so used to minding their own business that they often ignore what’s happening around them. It’s not that minding your own business is wrong—sometimes, it’s advisable. However, when the government has to post reminders for people to speak up, it shows just how common it is for individuals to stay silent, even when others might be in danger. That said, I’m reminded of this Bible verse:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

In other words, there is a time to step back and stay in your lane, but there’s also a time to act, speak up, and stand up for others. The challenge is knowing which season you’re in—and having the courage to respond when that time arrives.

Analyzing the Story of the Good Samaritan

The story Jesus told of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37 captures the essence of what it means to be a true defender. It starts with an expert in the law asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus invites him to answer his own question by reciting what the Law says. The man replies, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus affirms his answer and says, “Do this and you will live.”

But seeking to justify himself, the man presses further: “And who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man is brutally attacked by robbers and left on the side of the road “half dead.” A priest passes by. Then a Levite. Both see the wounded man and choose to look the other way.

But then comes a Samaritan—someone who, in that culture, would have been considered an outsider or enemy. Yet it is he who stops, tends to the man's wounds, places him on his own donkey, and takes him to an inn. The Samaritan walks on foot so that the stranger can ride. He gives his time, energy, and money—promising to cover any additional costs when he returns.

Jesus paints a clear picture: being a neighbor means taking action. It means stepping in when others step back. The Good Samaritan didn’t just feel compassion—he acted on it. He defended a stranger even when it cost him comfort, convenience, and resources.

This is the kind of heart Jesus calls us to have: one that doesn’t ask, “Do I have to help?” but instead, “How can I help?”

 

The Greatest Form of Love

Putting everything aside to help someone you don’t even know is one of the greatest acts of love. Jesus modeled this perfectly—He gave His life so that you and I could be saved. That kind of sacrificial love is at the very heart of the gospel.

The good news is that God doesn’t require us to endanger ourselves to love others well. As I often say, you must also be a steward of your own life. Think about the instructions they give you on an airplane: you're told to wear your oxygen mask before helping someone else in an emergency. Why? Because if you pass out trying to help someone else, neither of you gets saved.

The same principle applies here—you must ensure you can safely help yourself and the person in need. You might be thinking, “What if the situation is too dangerous? What if stepping in puts my own life at risk?” That’s a valid concern. But the reality is, there is always something you can do.

You can call 911. You can alert nearby help. You can offer comfort from a safe distance. And yes—you can pray. Never underestimate the power of prayer during a crisis. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking someone else will step in. People often witness an emergency and assume someone else has already called for help when no one has.

And maybe you’ve asked yourself, “What if I overreact? What if the situation isn’t that serious?” My answer is simple: I’d rather be wrong for caring too much than be silent and live with the regret of doing nothing. Sometimes we’re afraid to intervene because we’re unsure or uncomfortable. But love isn’t always convenient; sometimes it requires courage, even in uncertainty.

The Spiritual and Mental Aspects of Defending Others

Defending others doesn't always require physical action. In fact, some of the most impactful ways to protect someone are spiritual and mental.

When someone—whether a close friend or even a stranger—confides in you about their struggles, don’t ignore it. That’s a call to step in for them, primarily through prayer. Interceding on someone’s behalf is one of the most selfless and powerful actions you can take.

Consider the story of Esther. She set aside her own safety and comfort and fasted for three days before approaching the king to save her people (Esther 4:16). That act of spiritual bravery made all the difference. Maybe you can’t fast for three days—but can you fast for one? Or half a day? Any deliberate spiritual step you take—no matter how small—can go a long way in supporting someone spiritually.

Another example is Moses. When the Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God and He declared that He would no longer go with them on their journey, Moses interceded. He pleaded with God to show mercy and continue leading His people (Exodus 33:12–17). Because of Moses' intercession, God relented and stayed with them. Sometimes, God is looking for someone to stand in the gap.

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”

-Ezekiel 22:30

Don’t let that be said about us. When someone shares their burdens with you, pray for their healing, peace, or breakthrough. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you can be there for them and stay faithful through prayer.

The same applies to mental and emotional struggles. Maybe someone tells you they’re depressed, or they’re dealing with anxiety or insomnia. Please don’t dismiss it. Listen to them. Be there. Make them feel seen and loved. Sometimes, just knowing someone is willing to sit with them in their pain is a powerful protection against the lies that isolation and hopelessness can bring.

Conclusion

To defend others is to follow Christ. It is to live out the gospel through words and actions. By doing so, Christians fulfill their spiritual duty and contribute to building a society that reflects God's justice and mercy.

As law-abiding citizens and followers of Jesus, let’s be people who defend the weak, protect the vulnerable, and stand boldly for what is right.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,  for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

-Proverbs 31:8-9

As Daughters Of Defense, let us rise to protect, advocate, and intercede — physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you want to learn more about self-defense for Christian women, Join The DOD Community.

Here, we empower Christian women to learn self-defense, strengthen their faith, and walk boldly as protectors in body, mind, and spirit.

Remember this: women were called to be helpers, but never to be helpless. STRENGTH.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace legal advice. While self-defense is legal in many areas, it may still result in legal consequences depending on how and when it’s used. Always follow your local laws, use self-defense tools responsibly, and consider self-defense insurance programs for protection.

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