““And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.””
(Image: Chris Hearn)
Until recently, I’ve opted not to speak on the Israel-Palestine conflict in any public capacity: not on any of my platforms, not on social media, not at social gatherings, and especially not at work!
While the conflict predates my existence, it’s been an especially contentious topic since October 7, 2023 - the day Hamas led a coordinated, surprise attack against Israel. As others rushed to social media and traditional media spaces to voice their take on the matter, I decided to remain silent - not because I had nothing to say, but because I doubted my ability to engage the topic competently and graciously. I also feared the backlash and “cancellation” that would surely come to me for expressing deep concerns for, as well as sharp criticisms of, parties on both sides.
Nevertheless, a recent conversation with a coworker gave me a new perspective on the topic, and it finally emboldened me to publicly speak on the matter as much as the Lord would allow.
For I Resolved to Love My Neighbor
As we concluded our morning meeting, my colleague mentioned that she was planning to move soon. While she lives an enviously-short commute away from our work, she was willing to relocate as far as a 45-minute’s drive away to escape the increasing instances of what she described as “Islamophobia” in her neighborhood. She stated that tensions already existed, but they were exacerbated after October 7th.
In addition to cases of Palestinian flags being torn down around her neighborhood, she said she’s heard her neighbors mocking her and telling her to ‘shut up’, right outside her front door, as she prayed through the Qur'an in Arabic during Ramadan.
I was utterly taken aback by what she was sharing with me, as I’d always known her neighborhood to be extremely “inclusive” and “progressive”. During the height of the BLM protests, for example, her neighborhood would be one littered-about with rainbow-colored yard signs boasting how much all are welcomed.
“WE BELIEVE BLACK LIVES MATTER…
LOVE IS LOVE…
DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER...”
But she doesn’t seem to feel loved or welcomed. Instead, as a practicing Muslim, she said she receives strange looks, overhears jeers, and feels that many of her neighbors see her as a terrorist.
“I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this,” I said, thinking of her gentle disposition. She’s truly been a dream colleague and one of the sweetest members on our team.
She went on to express how frustrating it’s been for her to be judged by her appearance - to be assumed to hold a particular ideology just because she wears a hijab.
As our chat continued, we began discussing how unfortunate it was that an ongoing battle all the way in Israel was causing so much division and tension amongst neighbors in America.
“Your neighbors must be assuming that you’re pro-Palestine,” I said at one point absent-mindedly.
I was attempting to make sense of her experiences in light of the views she’d shared up to that point. Everything she said seemed to suggest that she was neutral in the Israel-Palestine conflict or, at the very least, that she was frustrated with being presumed to be on a given side.
“Well, I am pro-Palestine,” she said matter-of-factly.
For I Resolved to Not Condone Evil for Evil
“I’m sorry, yes. I meant they probably think you’re pro-Hamas,” I said, embarrassingly correcting myself. I’d quickly realized my need to clarify a distinction between innocent Palestinian civilians and the military outfit that’s been condemned globally for murdering, raping and torturing innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
“My faith denounces what Hamas did,” she said. “But after decades of oppression, people are going to have a reaction.”
I understood her point to an extent. You certainly cannot offend others and expect to control how they should respond, but you can control how you respond to the offenses waged against you. In the Christian faith, not only are we empowered by the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control, our response to evil isn’t to be more evil. We aren’t commended for or justified in having a violent reaction to those who offend or oppress us.
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17-18).
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28).
“‘And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses’” (Mark 11:25-26)
Of course, Hamas doesn’t abide by Christian teachings. According to Islam, which Hamas professes to practice, attacks like the one waged on October 7th could be easily justified as a jihad by traditional Islamic definitions of the term. While “jihad” is now commonly said to simply mean an internal spiritual “struggle”, “jihad” is also expected to be an external battle (war) to advance the Islam religion or to fight against Islam’s oppressors, by any means necessary. It is the latter denotation that gives justification for violent battle. The motivation to die in the midst of such battles is also present, as it is Islamic belief that such a death would guarantee one admittance to “jannah” (Islam’s interpretation of Heaven).
“So do you believe the October 7th attacks were justified,” I asked my colleague.
“When the Jews were exiled from Germany and came to Palestine, the Palestinians welcomed them. But the Jews rose up and slaughtered them,” she replied.
I had no response. I could only stare and blink.
First, I wasn’t familiar with this account in history. Second, not being one well-versed in world history or geopolitics, I had no way of refuting her claims on the spot. Third, I was confused as to why this account, even if true and which sounded like it took place around World War II, was used as a justification for an unprovoked attack on innocent civilians in 2024. By this logic, Americans would be justified in attacking innocent Muslims in America at any random date now or far into the future as retribution for 9/11. Indeed God (and even our national and international laws) would utterly condemn such an action!
But I continued to listen.
(Image: Mark Studzinski)
For I Resolved to side with the lord
“Israel has killed over 30,000 Palestinian civilians since October 7th,” she said, with noticeable passion in her voice.
“So couldn’t Israel say they’re justified because they’re responding to what they see as an unprovoked attack,” I inquired.
I would go on to admit that, ultimately, I believed none of the violence and civilian deaths have been warranted from either side, and I did my best to explain how I came to my conclusion.
Again, we are to repay no one evil for evil. Moreover, no man is excused for shedding innocent blood, and the Lord requires that we leave all vengeance to Him to repay (Proverbs 6:17; Romans 12:19).
I then reiterated my condemnation for Hamas’ actions on October 7th, which they’ve since touted as a “necessary step” against Israeli occupation in Gaza. Yet, they reportedly bypassed barricades and crossed into Israeli communities outside of Gaza by “land, air and sea” to kill civilians “in the streets, in their homes and at an outdoor rave party”.
Finally, I affirmed that Israel certainly “has the right to defend itself”, but I also acknowledged that international humanitarian law (IHL) - and the laws of God, bind the nature of their “defense”. As summarized by Human Rights Watch, IHL requires that no matter who initiates violence, “civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack; parties may only target combatants and military objectives''. If Israel knows that Hamas is using civilians as human shields - and if Israel purports its actions to be “less evil” than Hamas’, there is no justification in preceding with strikes that would likely or knowingly involve civilian casualties. Surely, this is a trap Hamas has laid for Israel. However, rather than walk into it while looking to America and other nations to support her fight under such terms, Israel need only “be still” and look to God to fight for her (Exodus 14:14).
So, as a Christian, am I with or against Israel in this war, my colleague wondered. No, but as a servant of the Lord have I endeavored to approach the matter (see Joshua 5:13-15).
Nevertheless, throughout this conflict, many onlookers have picked a definitive side they believe to be most noble. While a decade ago, most across the world would have likely sided with Israel, an increase in support for Palestine - and even Hamas, unfortunately - is now evident.
“It just feels like this could become an ongoing cycle throughout the generations, and the parties deemed justified would be dictated by whatever sentiments are popular at the time,” I said to my colleague as I concluded my analysis.
“That just doesn’t make any sense,” my colleague replied, vigorously shaking her head in disagreement.
She willingly accepted my criticisms of Israel, but it was inconceivable to her that Hamas has acted unjustifiably and wickedly. Of course, she was only responding as most others have in the face of critiques of their chosen side, and like most others, she proceeded to argue her case.
I perceived at this moment that our discussion could only devolve into an unproductive back and forth. We could certainly try to justify either side by zeroing in on specific historical reference points that serve a given narrative, but I wasn’t up for that task. Especially as that’s all I’ve seen done by proponents on either side of the larger debate, which has only left me confused and less inclined to publicly discuss the matter.
Though, even if I were prepared with all of the knowledge in the world on the Israel-Palestine conflict, I also realized that debating the topic would not bear any meaningful fruit with my colleague. She was convinced of her positions, and I had no facts, figures or blind support for either side with which to retort.
So, as she went on with her points, I listened quietly, and I began to pray. I prayed that God would make this an opportunity for the Gospel, that He would give me the words to say and that our conversation and working relationship would remain respectful.
FOR I Resolved to preach Christ and Him Crucified
Again, I’m no history buff. I’m also not well-versed in the ongoing affairs in Gaza and the West Bank. Thus, once I had the opportunity to respond, I endeavored to only speak on what I did know, and what I was convinced ultimately mattered.
I began.
“I’ve never heard of the Jews immigrating to ‘Palestine’, I responded with all sincerity.
“There’s never been a nation called ‘Palestine’ formally recognized on any world map or in geographical texts. ‘Palestine’ is not mentioned in the Bible or even in the Qur’an. I’ve only known of the nation of Israel, which has existed for thousands of years. It began with the patriarch Jacob, who was renamed ‘Israel’ …”
“Of the 12 sons…,” she interjected, looking as if she were processing what I’d just shared.
“Exactly,” I exclaimed, happy that she’d made the connection.
I continued.
“God promised the land of Canaan to the 12 tribes of Israel and their descendants [the Jews]. That’s just what it is. He didn’t give it to them because they deserved it or due to any of their own merit. He gave it to them because he chose them to be His people through whom He’d bless the nations of the earth with the birth of Christ.”
“Because Jesus was a Jew…,” she interjected again.
“Exactly,” I exclaimed.
I continued.
“The Jews were promised an earthly home where they could rest from all of their enemies, and it represents the ultimate, eternal home and rest God has promised all of us in Christ.”
I couldn’t believe how much the Lord was letting me get out without her deciding to just get up and walk away. But by His grace, she remained, so I kept going.
“I don’t know about everything you say the Jews have done in Israel, but I do know that the nation is currently in disobedience against God through their rejection of Christ. So while, yes, Israel IS their land, they aren’t due the peace and blessings promised them in the land for as long as they walk in disobedience to Him. Throughout Scripture we see God punish Israel for their disobedience either by removing them from their land or causing them to contend with their enemies within it. I believe that’s what this war and their ongoing conflict ultimately boil down to.
“Similarly, those who profess to be Christian but who walk in disobedience will not inherit the Kingdom of God, which comes with the eternal peace He’s promised His people.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which side ultimately started this conflict,” I said. “The Lord will settle it all on judgment day, and everyone involved is condemned already and will not see God without faith in Christ…”
I took a breath.
My nerves were going haywire. I’d hoped she was hearing me, and I prayed that the Lord would make everything clear to her - despite how nervous I felt during my speech.
“We believe in Jesus in Islam,” my colleague interjected. “We don’t believe He is the Son of God, but we believe He was a prophet,” she continued.
“Then you don’t believe in Him, because He prophesied that He is the only way to God - not through works, but faith. We have nothing to offer God of ourselves. We are born corrupt due to sin coming into the world through Adam. We have to acknowledge this and receive Christ because He paid the penalty for our sins. Once we receive Him, the Holy Spirit empowers us to do the good that pleases God. We don’t work hoping to be saved. We are guaranteed salvation through faith.
“Upon His return those who have not received Him will be judged by their own righteousness and will pay for their own sins through eternal condemnation...”
I was interrupted by a knock at my office door.
It was another coworker who’d stopped by to share a brief update. The colleague to whom I’d been witnessing stood up to leave, likely in deference to our other coworker - but she lingered as if she wanted to properly conclude our chat.
Once our coworker had departed, my colleague smiled, then expressed how glad she was that we’d had our conversation.
I agreed.
“This actually went much better than I had expected,” I said.
We both chuckled as we considered how respectful and peaceful our exchange had gone. I was convinced it was the work of the Lord!!!
“We have to do this again,” she said.
I agreed.
Perhaps we will chat more over lunch or during a ride-share to work if she opts to move 45 minutes away. In the meantime, I sincerely pray that what I was able to share during our impromptu discussion bears good fruit, and I hope the Lord would grant me additional opportunities to speak with her.
Though, I’d prefer it if we didn’t revisit the Israel-Palestine conflict.
(Image: Tim Wildsmith)
I Said All of This to Say…
I never made it a point to publicly discuss this topic before my chat with my colleague. Yet, I wanted to recount the experience here to glory in the Lord’s goodness and to boast about His grace in the midst of my weakness.
As embarrassing as it is to admit this, I am largely confused and overwhelmed by the historical and political aspects of the Israel-Palestine conflict. So when it came up during my chat with my colleague, I knew I couldn’t trust in my own wisdom or ability to competently navigate the subject with her. I also had less incentive to debate her on the matter. Instead, I could only rely on the truth of God and relay to her the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is ultimately what she needed to hear.
Jesus commissions His followers to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). If I knew all of the annals and inner-workings of the Israel-Palestine conflict, I might have overlooked the opportunity to evangelize. Rather than speak with my colleague out of love and concern for her soul, I could have easily erred into seeking my own glory by crushing her arguments with my “ma facts”.
This isn’t to say that being knowledgeable of certain topics or having concern for certain causes in this life has no value and can’t be a good thing. But it is to say that even good things can prove to be stumbling blocks to that which is of exponentially more value, if we aren’t careful - if we aren’t willing to count them as “rubbish” for the cause of Christ (Philippians 3:7-11). It’s also to acknowledge that even as we might not know what the world says is important, we ultimately know enough if we know the Lord. For it is plainly written, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10-12).
While I still don’t see myself running out to engage in debates over Israel-Palestine, Israel-Hamas or any other foreign relations issues, I will no longer avoid them out of fear of appearing incompetent or out of fear of being “canceled”. I will avoid them save any opportunity they grant for the Gospel.
This exchange was simply a reminder to me that I don’t necessarily need to be well-versed in earthly affairs, but I must “always be ready” to give an answer for my hope when asked (1 Peter 3:15). It reminded me that I don’t necessarily need to take a side in the Israel-Palestine debate. All that is required of me is to side with the Lord - to sanctify the Lord God in my heart and resolve to “not know anything” among those I engage except Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).