Can a Christian defend themself: The truth

If you’re someone who is a believer you probably have asked or wondered this question before. Many people associate Christianity with silence and suffering through whatever. There’s a scripture about being meek and also in Galatians, talks about gentleness, self control. However in Ecclesiastes it mentions a time to for war and a time for peace, a time to heal and a time to kill. Wow so what does all this really mean. Is violence ever okay? Are Christians truly forbidden to defend themselves period? Well let’s understand a few things. God will fight our battles indeed however, God has also given us courage and doesn’t want us to live in fear. There are plenty of people in The Bible who God gave courage to stand up to and even defeat their opponents. God also works through us. Think of this: David defeated Goliath who was bigger than he was. Sometimes God may have us stay silent other times He will have us to be bold. My issue often in church settings is that often times victims are shamed for standing up to their offenders and are accused of walking in unforgiveness or being easily offended. Reality is true forgiveness is just, which the definition of just is behavior that is morally right and fair, synonyms of the word just are honest, even handed, upright, upstanding, trustworthy. So with that being said forgiving someone means to do the right thing, such as speaking the truth, confronting the person who is wrong. True forgiveness=appropriate judgement. As believers we are allowed to have boundaries. Having boundaries is healthy and a form of knowing our worth in Christ. Addressing things that should be addressed or confronting a offender does mean a person is not bearing fruits of the spirit. God doesn’t want us to be cowards think of this: when David defeated Goliath, God had to give him the bravery to do it, as well as the permission. He couldn’t have done it in his own strength. God will fight for us yes, but in many different ways. Sometimes Him fighting for us is Him giving us courage and strength and permission!