Fighting in God’s Name but Not His Way | Judges 21:8-12

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Our text today is Judges 21:8-12.

And they said, “What one is there of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to the Lord to Mizpah?” And behold, no one had come to the camp from Jabesh-gilead, to the assembly. For when the people were mustered, behold, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead was there. So the congregation sent 12,000 of their bravest men there and commanded them, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword; also the women and the little ones. This is what you shall do: every male and every woman that has lain with a male you shall devote to destruction.” And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead 400 young virgins who had not known a man by lying with him, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. — Judges 21:8-12

Israel acts again—but this time, their “solution” becomes another sin. They justify violence against Jabesh-gilead in the name of the Lord. They think they’re defending God’s honor, but they’re only protecting their pride. They’re fighting in God’s name, but not His way.

This is what happens when holy causes lack holy character. When our zeal for righteousness outweighs our humility before God, we end up doing more harm than good.

We can fall into the same trap. We correct our kids, our spouse, our coworkers—even fellow believers—with truth, but without grace. We demand compliance, not conviction.

Take parenting, for example. We may demand respect but do it with the wrong tone and from the wrong heart. We call it discipline, but sometimes it’s really control. We want peace in the home, but we’re seeking comfort, not character. We want change, but not through compassion.

When we correct without compassion, we create scars instead of growth. The words may be true, but they wound because they weren’t spoken from love.

The Israelites thought they were defending holiness, but they were only displaying hypocrisy. They were right about God’s standards—but wrong about His heart.

God doesn’t just care about what we do; He cares about how we do it. If truth is our sword, then love must be our handle—or else we cut people we were meant to heal.

So check your tone. Examine your heart. The goal isn’t compliance—it’s Christlike character. Don’t fight in God’s name without living in His way.

ASK THIS:

1. When have I fought for a good cause but in the wrong way?
2. How does my tone reveal my heart in conflict or correction?
3. Where might I be seeking compliance instead of compassion?
4. How can I reflect both truth and love in my leadership or parenting?

DO THIS:

• Ask a loved one how your tone impacts them—then listen with humility.
• When you feel righteous anger, slow down and seek God’s heart before reacting.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, help me fight for truth without losing Your heart. Teach me to correct with compassion, to lead with humility, and to love like You. When I’m tempted to fight in Your name, remind me to walk in Your way. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“God, Turn It Around.”