striped snail shell

Some may wish to say that [King] David, who was loved by God, went to war, and so did other saints; thus when war is justified, we may do the same. But we say no to that. David and the other saints went to war, but we ought not to, because of the words quoted above: “It was said to the people of old, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,’ but I tell you, do not resist evil.” Here Christ makes the distinction. There is no need for many words, for it is clear that Christians cannot take part in war or avenge themselves. Whoever does so forsakes and denies Christ and is untrue to Christ’s nature.

Christ, the prince of peace, has prepared a kingdom where all worldly warfare has come to an end.