I've touched on this in my two most recent posts, but I wanted to sit down and just write out my entire view on this subject.

I hear "self defense" all the time, but far fewer people talk about what is arguably far more important, to protect others.

What does that look like though?

Protection is not just owning a gun. It is not acting tough online. It is not fantasizing about violence or pretending you are some kind of action hero.

Real protection is responsibility.

It is looking at the people around you and understanding that in a crisis, their safety may depend on your competence.

That means being capable in practical ways.

Know basic first aid. Learn CPR. Learn hemorrhage control. Carry a tourniquet and actually know how to use it under stress. Take emergency medicine seriously. Don't just buy tactical gear you never train with.

Programs like Stop the Bleed are fantastic, and there are often free or cheap CPR and first aid classes through local fire departments, hospitals, churches, and organizations like the American Red Cross.

Learn situational awareness. Learn how to stay calm under pressure. Learn how to de-escalate conflict before it becomes violence. Learn how to recognize dangerous situations before they fully develop.

And yes, I also believe there is nothing wrong with responsibly learning how to fight or use firearms. You don't have to, the Lord protected Desmond Doss just as much as He protected Alvin York (If you haven't, please read about these two wonderful examples of faith, they are some of my modern day heroes.), but you should realise.

The world is not harmless. Bad things happen. And pretending otherwise does not make anyone safer.

But I think Christians especially should approach this differently than the culture often does.

Protection should come from love, not ego.

A lot of people approach self defense from a mindset of pride, paranoia, or even excitement at the thought of hurting someone. That is not healthy. The goal is not violence. The goal is preserving innocent life.

Sometimes that may require force.

But force should always be the last resort, never the fantasy.

And honestly, if someone carries a firearm for protection but has no medical training whatsoever, I think that's backwards. If you prepare to make holes, you should also prepare to plug them.

Because after violence happens, there are still human beings bleeding on the ground.

That includes innocent people.

And yes, even the attacker.

I think Christians should understand that better than anyone else.

If the threat has ended and it is safe to do so, I believe Christians should render aid where they can. And if someone may be dying, we should care not only about their physical life, but their soul as well. In those potentially final moments they need the Gospel the most.

To protect people is not just about being dangerous.

It is about being dependable.

Protect the innocent.

Use force reluctantly.

And show mercy whenever you can.