Is it a sin to defend yourself?

[Rosie11]

I was reading “ to one who strikes you on the cheek offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either” so does this mean we can’t defend ourselfs?

 

[Alwaysdream1231]

In a matter of life or death I’m pretty sure it isn’t a sin to defend yourself. Honestly if someone hits you… It’s like the phrase turn the other cheek. Basically walk away. Yes sometimes people think of it as being weak. But in reality those people want you to react they desire for you to start a fight. So pray for them walk away and move on. Trust me if you act like it didn’t hurt it will truly throw them off lol but in a matter of life or death do what you have to do

 

[Tis_Bearself]

It means, don’t react with hostility unless it’s absolutely necessary.
There are plenty of situations of saints who fought back to defend themselves and others and/ or the Faith, the Blessed Sacrament, etc.
St. Francis de Sales fought off anticlericals with a sword. St. Gabriel of the Mother of Sorrows pulled a gun on soldiers who were about to rape a girl. St. Jose Sanchez del Rio shot back at anticlerical soldiers who were about to capture him in battle.

But these are extreme situations. If one can resolve a conflict peacefully, one should do so, and also, we’re not supposed to get into hostilities over small matters.

 

[Searching1]

Literal interpretations and fundamentalist stances on scripture are not appropriate. The verses you are referring to are meant metaphorically. We are called to stop violence in its tracks by not perpetuating it, and to love our enemy. But we have the right to defend ourselves, just not to exceed that defense to the point where we become the attacker. The Supreme Pontiff has bodyguards, remember?

 

[upant]

not only is it allowed, but it can be required for one who is responsible for the lives of others.

[2264] Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow:

If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful. . . . Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s.66

[2265] Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.