While some wars may be fought for noble causes like liberation, others may stem from greed, power struggles, or ideological divisions. Regardless of the cause, war leaves a deep scar, both on the land and on the hearts of those who participate in it — soldiers and civilians alike.

From a biblical perspective, the moral complexity of war is evident. The Bible teaches us that killing is a grievous sin:

“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). This is one of the Ten Commandments, a clear injunction against taking another person’s life. Yet, throughout the Bible, there are instances where war, including the killing of others, is depicted — both in the Old and New Testaments. But these situations are often marked by the recognition of the tragedy of conflict and the necessity for divine intervention or judgment.

The Problem of Justifying War

It is true that wars are fought for many reasons, many of which contradict the core teachings of Jesus Christ. Some wars are fought for liberation and freedom, but innocent lives are lost in the process. Others are driven by greed, conquest, or the desire for resources — all of which are in direct opposition to God’s commandment to love one’s neighbor.

The Bible speaks to the profound consequences of unjust violence, and it’s clear that human sin, pride, and selfishness often fuel the fires of conflict. In James 4:1-2, we are reminded:
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have; so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want; so you quarrel and fight.”

This passage underscores the idea that many wars and conflicts come from personal desires — greed, power, and the accumulation of material wealth. These desires run counter to the biblical call to humility, generosity, and peace.

Even wars fought with the pretext of liberation can be tainted by injustice — the innocent are often caught in the crossfire, and atrocities are committed by both sides. The Bible doesn’t condone such violence, even when the justification is seemingly noble. In fact, Jesus Himself, in Matthew 5:44, says: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

This is perhaps one of the most radical teachings in the New Testament: Jesus calls His followers to love not only their friends and family but also their enemies. This teaching challenges the very foundations of conflict and violence, pushing us to envision a world where reconciliation and peace take precedence over revenge and destruction.

The Call to Peace

The Bible continually calls for peace. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), Jesus pronounces blessings upon peacemakers: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

This is a powerful reminder that God’s heart is for peace, and those who work toward peace, even in the midst of violence and war, align themselves with God’s will. Jesus Himself lived as a model of peace, even when confronted with hostility and violence.

He chose nonviolence, humility, and love, embodying the principle of turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). This is a call to resist the cycle of retribution and retaliation that so often escalates conflicts.

In Romans 12:17-19, Paul further reinforces this message of peace and non-violence:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil...If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ’It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

This scripture speaks to the temptation for individuals and nations to take matters into their own hands, to seek revenge, or to justify violence. But Paul calls Christians to trust God’s justice, and in doing so, to seek peace.

Praying for Soldiers: A Call for Compassion and Justice

The question of whether soldiers should pray before battle is both a personal and theological one. If a soldier believes in God, prayer can be a source of strength, comfort, and guidance in the midst of war.

However, we must acknowledge the complex emotions and dilemmas that soldiers face. For a soldier to pray for strength in the midst of violence, they might be asking for the courage to face difficult situations, the wisdom to make just decisions, and the ability to preserve their humanity amid the horrors of war.

But the Bible also calls us to examine our hearts when we pray. Jesus Himself teaches that our prayers must be sincere and aligned with God’s will. James 4:3 says: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

The Bible teaches that we must seek God’s will and not our own desires. If a soldier prays for victory without considering the destruction and suffering caused by war, or if they pray for justification of violence, they might be missing the heart of God’s teachings.

Prayer, in this context, should be a plea for wisdom, peace, and a heart that seeks to minimize harm. Jesus also shows us the ultimate act of sacrificial love in His death on the cross, where He prayed for those who crucified Him:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
If soldiers are to follow Christ’s example, they must pray for the forgiveness of their enemies and for the wisdom to make peace — even in the midst of violence.

The Gospel Message and the Call to Peace

In light of the biblical teachings, we are left with a stark and difficult truth: war is deeply incompatible with the values of the Gospel. The teachings of Jesus challenge us to love our enemies, forgive those who harm us, and work toward peace. While the reality of war is complex and sometimes tragic, the Bible calls us to a higher standard — to resist hatred, revenge, and violence, and to seek peace even in the most difficult circumstances.

For soldiers, the path forward is not one of simply justifying their actions or seeking victory at any cost, but rather asking: “Am I acting in a way that aligns with God’s will? Am I contributing to peace, not destruction?” Prayer in such a context should not be a prayer for victory over others, but a prayer for wisdom, strength, and the ability to serve God even in the most challenging and tragic circumstances.

Ultimately, the Bible’s message is clear: we are called to love, to forgive, to seek peace, and to avoid violence whenever possible. We must pray for peace in our hearts, for peace in our world, and for the strength to be instruments of reconciliation — even if that means laying down our weapons and embracing those we once considered enemies.

The Gospel is about love, redemption, and peace. And this, even in the face of war, should be our ultimate prayer and calling.

This article’s information has been Deepened by Paradise.rw, and it is a reply to our reader who asked this question: "Is it fair that soldiers pray before battle in God’s View?" He is a student in the University of Rwanda, but his name can’t be mentioned.

Soldier’s prayer should not be a prayer for victory over others, but a prayer for wisdom, strength, and the ability to serve God even in the most challenging and tragic circumstances