The conflict between Israel and Gaza is of general interest as a major international conflict with far-reaching political and economic impact. It is also deeply revealing about our heart’s posture towards the other. Let’s get beyond the tribalism and rhetoric and think critically about what should be driving our thoughts and actions as Christ followers. We will use the parable of the Good Samaritan to help us.

History of the conflict between Israel and Gaza

First, let’s orient ourselves with the history of the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Watch the Crash Course World History episode #223 below. This may be new information to many evangelicals.

Many evangelicals approach the current conflict staunchly on the side of Israel. They are God’s chosen people and allies of the United States. This is especially true of older generations and evangelicals influenced by dispensational theology (or its pop culture version in the Left Behind books).

Younger generations who have been deeply formed by the outshoots of Critical Theory view Israel as the European colonizers and the Palestinians are the oppressed minority. Some of the Israeli settlements are illegal according to international law after all.

So who is right? Both sides have their points and valid considerations. Is one more right than the other? That is the wrong question. Instead of viewing the current conflict through the zero-sum lens of us vs them, let’s view it through the lens of the Good Samaritan (Read Luke 10:25-37).

The Good Samaritan

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-37 NIV

The expert of the law asks Jesus who is his neighbor. Jesus uses the parable to make the compelling point that the expert in the law should view the Samaritan as their neighbor. Samaritans were about as low as one could be in the eyes of the Jews. The expert in the law couldn’t even say the word! It seems like we could swap Samaritan with Palestinian, and it would carry the same weight today. The conclusion is we should have compassion on our neighbor and our neighbor includes those who are most other from us.

Who is a neighbor that needs your compassion? Is it the Palestinians? Is the Israelis? Maybe it is an actual neighbor who you disagree with about the current conflict.

Prayer for Israel and Gaza

Lord, we pray for peace between Israel and Gaza and plea for your will to be done here on earth as it is done in heaven. We pray for an end to cycles of violence and vengeance. We pray for an outpouring of mercy and compassion. Spirit, guide us to wisdom and discernment as we reflect on the posture of our hearts. Show us where we can bring peace, love, and justice to the neighbors in our lives that are most other from ourselves. Amen.

Take a look at our other Blog posts for articles engaging culture with faith and reason.