As another conflict unfolds, pray for peace in Israel and Gaza. Jesus Christ is the only lasting hope for peace between God and man and between man and man but that does not mean we do not work for peace on earth. Pray, first, that people in Israel and Gaza will turn to Christ and instead of facing each other as enemies would be able to look at each other as brothers. Pray, second, for the fighting to stop, for the anger and hate and terrorism and bombings and retaliations to end. Pray, third, for the safety of people caught in the middle when conflict does break out.

Second, cautious political commentary.

I support Israel’s right to exist and I believe they have the right to defend themselves against attack. But too often Israel’s response is far too severe and accomplishes the opposite of what is intended. Rocket attacks from Hamas against Israel needed to stop but these kinds of responses by Israel do far too much damage and only stir the hate up even more. There are no true military objectives in the aggressive acts carried out by either side. There is only hatred and revenge. This is not about security or governance. It isn’t even really about ideology. It is about pride and wicked human hearts and wills trying to force their dominance over others – be it Gaza over Israel or Israel over Gaza.

I am not a pacifist. But war should never, ever be taken lightly. No human life should be casually regarded. It is far too easy for us in the west to read of (at this time) two hundred twenty-five dead, including children, and shrug it off by saying they deserved the response they received. Pray for peace. And if you have some way of doing so, work for peace. Seek to bring and end to bloodshed. Never regard it casually or lightly or push it to the back of your mind. Thank God for the safety and security you are blessed with and pray that he would extend that blessing to others.