Who Do We Stand With?
When conflicts erupt between nations, conversations quickly spiral into debates over who is “right” and who is “wrong.” Yet, as followers of Jesus, our response must transcend these political allegiances and speak from a deeper, more profound calling (Romans 12:2).
Jesus consistently resisted being pulled into the binary battles of his day—Roman versus Jew, insider versus outsider, conqueror versus oppressed (John 18:36). His teachings invite us to another path altogether, a way marked distinctly by peace, justice, compassion, and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9, cf. Micah 6:8).
Dispensationalism, a popular theological view among many Christians, strongly emphasizes support for Israel, interpreting biblical prophecy as literally promising a distinct and ongoing role for the nation of Israel in God’s redemptive plan (Genesis 12:3; cf. Romans 11:25-27; Ezekiel 37:21-22). This promise—”I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse”—is often seen as a divine mandate for supporting Israel. However, the New Testament reframes this promise through faith in Christ, extending the blessing to all who believe (cf. Galatians 3:7-9). Consequently, some Christians feel compelled to align politically and morally with modern Israel as part of fulfilling these biblical prophecies. In fact, dispensationalist perspectives have significantly influenced U.S. policymakers, guiding them to pursue political strategies that support Israel, often considered fulfilling or accelerating biblical end-time prophecies.1
However, Scripture vividly portrays God’s heart as one grieved by war and injustice, longing instead for harmony and healing among all peoples (Isaiah 2:4; Psalm 34:14). The Apostle Paul, in Galatians, dismantles any hierarchy based on nationality or ethnicity, declaring unequivocally that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28; cf. Colossians 3:11).
While biblical narratives and historical ties might incline some Christians toward supporting particular nations, true discipleship demands we place loyalty to Christ’s principles above national interests (Matthew 6:33). The Beatitudes underline this clearly: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). To be a child of God is not merely to desire peace but actively to seek and create it (Romans 14:19; cf. Hebrews 12:14).
Thus, our response to conflicts such as the one between Israel and Iran must not hinge upon political expediency or historical affinity, but rather on Christ-like compassion (Philippians 2:1-4). We must stand unwaveringly with those caught unjustly in violence, offering practical aid, advocating vigorously for peaceful solutions, and denouncing wrongdoing wherever it emerges (Proverbs 31:8-9; James 2:15-17).
Our prayers and actions should reflect Christ’s radical command: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44; cf. Romans 12:20). This is neither simplistic nor naïve; rather, it’s a courageous declaration of allegiance to God’s kingdom—a kingdom that values human dignity, justice, and restoration above all else (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2).
The real question, then, is not whether we stand with Israel or Iran. Instead, it is how faithfully and clearly we reflect Christ’s heart, advocating for peace and reconciliation for all humanity (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). This path may not align neatly with geopolitical loyalties, but it aligns perfectly with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:15).
“Blessed are the peacemakers” — Matthew 5:9
Christ calls us to walk the narrow path of reconciliation, not allegiance.
- Stephen Spector, Evangelicals and Israel: The Story of American Christian Zionism (Oxford University Press, 2009). See also Daniel Hummel, Covenant Brothers, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2019. ↩︎
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