How can you serve in the military and love your enemies? Crosspoint Highlights

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Guest: Col Chet Arnold, USMC (Ret.)

From Episode 46: “May a Christian Serve in the Military?” Listen to the full episode here.

Highlight Summary:

Can a Christian serve in the military and still follow Jesus’ command to love their enemies? In this Crosspoint Highlight, Col Chet Arnold, USMC (Ret.), tackles the difficult topic of killing in combat from a Biblical perspective. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, Chet explains why understanding the sanctity of life and the God-given authority of government is essential for military believers. He also challenges listeners to avoid dehumanizing their enemies and to grieve the loss of life—even in war—through the lens of being made in God's image.

Be sure to check out our article by the same name, "May A Christian Serve in the Military?"

Key Takeaways:

• The sanctity of life is foundational: All people are made in God’s image—even those considered enemies.
• God delegates authority to governments: Genesis 9 establishes the basis for protection and justice, even when that includes the use of force.
• Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek applies to personal offense, not to military or governmental responsibility (Matthew 5:39).
• Dehumanizing the enemy leads to spiritual and emotional damage: Christians are called to mourn every life lost, even in war.
• Grieving rightly matters: Proper understanding of life’s value can reduce the impact of trauma and moral injury after combat.

Mentioned Bible Verses:

• Genesis 1 – Humans are created in the image of God.
• Genesis 9 – God delegates to human government the authority to take life in matters of justice.
• Matthew 5:39 – “Do not resist the one who is evil… turn to him the other [cheek] also.”