Can a Godly Woman Own a Firearm for Self-Defense?

Daughter, the choice to protect isn’t about fear but stewardship, faith, and wisdom.

Hi Daughter,

As Christian women, we are called to live holy and righteous lives. We’re often encouraged to be gentle, peace-loving, and submissive to God’s will. So, what does owning a firearm have to do with Christianity? If weapons are linked to violence, why should we, as believers, have anything to do with them?

For years, I believed that owning a firearm automatically made someone dangerous. If a weapon’s purpose was to kill, then having one meant I intended to kill.

My perspective shifted when I started working for a law firm dedicated to representing clients claiming self-defense. As the firm’s copywriter, I research self-defense laws daily, and during that process, the Lord revealed a different truth to me: weapons are tools — their purpose depends on the person wielding them.

Think of it like this: women often take Advil for period pain. When taken correctly, it provides relief; when taken in excess, it can cause harm or even death. The Advil itself isn’t inherently bad — the misuse is what causes problems.

The same goes for weapons:

• In the right hands, they protect.

• In the wrong hands, they destroy.

If both statements are factual, then sometimes the only way to stop a bad person with a gun is for a good person to have one as well.

A Real-Life Example

One story that stayed with me is about Stephen Willeford, a Christian man in Texas who stopped the Sutherland Springs church shooting in 2017. He wasn’t even at the church when it happened. His daughter heard gunshots, and he grabbed his firearm, ran to the church, and confronted the shooter.

Willeford’s bravery neutralized the threat — but tragically, 26 people were killed and 22 others were injured. Among the dead were 10 women, 7 men, 7 girls, 1 boy, and one unborn child.

I can’t say for certain, but considering church attendance patterns, there were probably more women there that day. I can’t help but wonder: if even one trained woman in that congregation had been armed, perhaps more lives could have been saved. (Note: this is speculation and not confirmed by reports.)

Faith vs. Preparedness

Some believe Christian women who own guns lack faith; however, the opposite is true. Faith calls us to be wise stewards of the life God has given us. Being prepared is not an act of fear; it’s an act of responsibility.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a

roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

-1 Peter 5:8

God certainly can protect us. However, He also warns us to stay alert because people have free will, and some choose to use it to harm. As women, our size and strength often put us at a disadvantage in a physical attack. Many of us also have people depending on us: children, aging parents, or others in our care. Self-defense is wise and biblical, whether through awareness, boundaries, or protective tools.

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep

going and pay the penalty.”

-Proverbs 22:3

Physical and Spiritual Defense Go Hand in Hand

I believe every battle in the physical realm has a spiritual cause. When we are spiritually prepared, God can warn us of danger before it occurs. That's why the Bible reminds us to:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand

against the devil’s schemes…”

-Ephesians 6:11-12

Women like Esther and Deborah were both spiritually and physically brave — one relied on wisdom and prayer, the other led armies into battle. We’re called to live without fear, but also without vulnerability. That means blending spiritual readiness with practical preparation.

So… Can You Be a Godly Woman and Own a Gun?

Yes, you can. However, if you decide to own one, proper training is essential. Owning a firearm without knowing how to handle it safely is risky. Even if you act in self-defense, you could still face legal issues. If firearms aren’t your thing, there are other options: pepper spray, safety alarms, or just increasing your awareness.

Conclusion

If you want to improve on physical, mental, and spiritual self-defense, stay with Daughters Of Defense (DOD). You’ll gain knowledge you won’t want to miss — knowledge that could save your life and the lives of others. Share this with a sister who needs encouragement and wisdom in protecting her body, mind, and spirit — and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Are you ready to stand firm in faith and in defense? Join The DOD Community as we explore Biblical truth and practical skills to equip Christian women like you.

Remember this: Women are called to be helpers, never to be helpless. STRENGTH.

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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.