Biblical Wisdom in the Face of Conflict

As we observe the unfolding war in the Middle East with heavy hearts it is not uncommon for many of us to feel a profound sense of sadness and deep concern.  As Christians, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of faith and humanity, grappling with the implications of this ongoing struggle in the Holy Land. The age-old tensions and the suffering of countless individuals understandably ignite questions, concerns, and prayers within our hearts.

In a world often marked by tension and division, Christians are gently urged to be ambassadors of peace. The Salvation Army is deeply committed to peacemaking and believes that peace with justice is an essential goal at individual, community, national and global levels.  The current conflict between Israel and Gaza leads us to examine and apply Biblical principles of peace in the pursuit of reconciliation and justice.

In the midst of conflict, it is helpful to remember God’s Kingdom is one of peace…

The Salvation Army recognises that the Bible teaches us that peace prevailed at the beginning of God’s creation and that God will ultimately establish a kingdom of peace.  It is important to remember that violence and strife are a consequence of sin’s entry into human history. In the midst of conflict, it is helpful to remember God’s Kingdom is one of peace and for us to work towards it’s realisation. The Salvation Army’s positional statement on peacemaking can be found at: https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips.

Some Christ-centred reflections to maintain during times of conflict:

Loving All Neighbours, Even Enemies: At the core of Christianity is the call to love not only our neighbours but also those we perceive or experience as adversaries. This beautiful teaching encourages us to look beyond differences and disputes and actively seek peaceful solutions through reconciliation.

The Power of Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Scripture urges us to acknowledge our own mistakes, seek forgiveness, extend apologies, and pursue reconciliation even in situations where we feel blameless. This Biblical message underscores the importance of taking the initiative to mend rifts, and should guide our interactions and interventions in conflict.

Cautiously Interpreting Biblical Narratives: While the Bible contains stories of conflict and war, it’s essential to approach these narratives thoughtfully and with consideration of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus, the embodiment of peace, encourages His followers to be peacemakers and to respond to adversity with gentleness and understanding.

Blessings for Peacemakers: Jesus extends a special blessing to those who engage in the pursuit of peace, acknowledging the difficulties they may face. The path to peacemaking might be demanding, but it’s a path Christians are called to tread.

Opposing Injustice: Throughout the Bible, we find repeated calls to oppose and condemn unjust practices and evil structures. As Christians, we are encouraged to advocate for justice while identifying injustices that may contribute to conflicts.

Government’s Role in Ensuring Justice and Peace: Governments bear the responsibility of upholding justice and promoting peace. While this often requires readiness to use force, the primary aim is to create a secure environment where communities can thrive.

As we reflect on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, let us be guided by these Biblical principles. The Christian response to this situation, aligning with The Salvation Army’s commitment to peacemaking, is to seek peace with justice, to extend kindness to neighbours and adversaries alike, and to emulate Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In doing so, we contribute to the gracious work of reconciliation and peace-building in our world.