Most of you reading this article have been closely following the events surrounding the horrendous attacks by Hamas upon targets in Israel which began on October 6. By now you are aware that the vast majority of the 1,200+ Israelis killed and some 150 kidnapped were civilians. The manner in which so many innocents were massacred should appall us. We should also be outraged by the intense hatred towards Jews that both fueled these ghastly actions and continues to provide support for them.
You might also be aware that in retaliation to Hamas’s terroristic actions, Israel’s bombing of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians as well. Though many of us (the author included) believe that Israel has a right to respond with substantial force, we should acknowledge that the anguish of a mother whose child was crushed to death under the weight of a collapsing building is no less than the mother only miles across the border whose child was mowed down by a militant’s gun.
As we encounter such a horrific situation the question that we often ask is, “How I do respond?” And this question can become even more challenging when we try to sort through all of the complexities that exist between Israel and the Palestinians historically, ethnically, and even biblically. However, in these trying days sometimes the simplest responses are the ones that most honor the Lord. Let me suggest four gospel-centered ways we can respond.
- Pray
Pray for Israelis (Psalm 122:6). Pray for Palestinians (Psalm 33:8). Pray for peace (Psalm 29:11). Pray for justice (Amos 5:24). Pray for those Israelis held captive to be returned to their families (Psalm 61:1). Pray that somehow Jesus would use this unspeakable situation to bring Jews and Muslims to see that he alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Pray for Jesus to return (Revelation 22:17).
- Speak
Speak to others about what is happening in Israel and how the Lord hates violence (Psalm 11:5). Speak to your children about what the Lord desires in this situation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Speak against anti-Semitism (Genesis 12:3). Speak against hatred of Muslims (Matthew 5:44). Speak of the hope of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)
- Learn
Learn about the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians (Proverbs 18:15). Learn about God’s future plan to bring greater salvation to Israel (Romans 11:25-32). Learn about the more than 1 million Palestinian Christians living around the world (Galatians 3:26-29). See the links at the bottom of this page for some places you might start.
- Love
Love those who are hurting and angry, especially friends in the Jewish community (Romans 12:15). Love those who are confused and may hold erroneous viewpoints about the conflict (Colossians 3:12). Love like Jesus (Mark 12:31).
“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:15-18)
Related Reading
- “9 Things You Should Know About the Creation of Modern Israel”- The Gospel Coalition, April 21, 2018
- “Hamas and the ideology of hate” - World, October 9, 2023
- “The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A chronology” - The Washington Post, October 11, 2023 (requires free account to read)
- “Horror in the Holy Land: How to Pray for Israel” - Radical, October 10, 2023
- “How to pray for all affected by violent conflict in Israel and Gaza” - Open Doors, October 11, 2023