By D. Mc. Peace Studies Student at Bethlehem Bible College.
The wisdom from above, as described in James 3:17-18, is “pure, peaceable, considerate, and filled with love,” and it calls us as Christians to reflect the heart of God in all situations. As we look at the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza, the West Bank, and other parts of the Middle East, it’s clear that the world desperately needs this wisdom. Though many may see these conflicts as complex and political, at the core, they touch on deeply human issues—suffering, injustice, and the longing for peace.
Despite numerous attempts at peace, the voices calling for reconciliation and justice seem to be overshadowed by those advocating for continued aggression. While ceasefires and diplomatic efforts may halt the immediate bloodshed, true peace remains elusive. It’s easy to slip towards despair, but as a Christian, I believe in hope—rooted not in political solutions, but in the wisdom and grace that comes from God. True peace is more than just the absence of conflict—it is the presence of justice, reconciliation, and healing. As Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Our calling is to be instruments of that peace.
Many people dismiss the conflict as “complicated,” but at its core, the situation is about fundamental principles of humanity—dignity, justice, freedom, and equality. As followers of Christ, we must not lose sight of the essential truth that all people—Israeli, Palestinian, and others—are made in the image of God and deserve to live in dignity, freedom, and peace.
One of the greatest sources of personal anguish has been witnessing the Church’s silence or partiality. Too often, Christian support for Israel has become absolute, with little regard for the suffering of Palestinians, even those who share our faith. James 2:1 asks, “How can we claim to have faith in Christ and yet favour one group of people above another?” We must remember that God shows no favouritism. Our love and concern should extend equally to all people, especially those suffering, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. Yet, despite the overwhelming civilian death toll, the suffering of Palestinian Christians, and the injustices faced by countless thousands, the response of many within the Church has been silence, or worse, justification.
For months, I’ve urged fellow believers to embrace their role as peacemakers, to be the ambassadors of reconciliation that Christ calls us to be. However, it became clear that words alone were not enough, so I decided to visit Palestine this past May to witness the situation so I could speak from firsthand experience.
What I encountered was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I met Palestinian Christians and Jewish followers of Christ, alongside many others who, though they may not follow Him yet, embody His character. These were people who chose not to hate their oppressors, who rejected the cycle of violence and revenge, even as they faced daily injustices. Their resilience reminded me of my own experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa—where forced separation, dehumanization, and oppression were the norm.
As a South African Christian, I hold on to the belief that peace in the Middle East is possible, just as it was in my country, with the Lord’s help. My journey toward reconciliation began with simple interactions with those I had been taught to see as enemies. It became clear that reconciliation is impossible when people remain separated and dehumanized. This is as true in Israel and Palestine as it was in South Africa.
True peace will only come when both sides are willing to sit down and negotiate, as we did in South Africa. Go-betweens can help, but the real work must be done by the people who live with the conflict. Compromise is essential, as is justice and accountability. Reconciliation requires openness, humility, and a willingness to forgive. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while imperfect, allowed us to bring hidden atrocities to light, paving the way for healing. Equally, economic stability and restitution are also critical to lasting peace. South Africa still struggles with economic inequality, a gap that continues to fuel division. Israeli and Palestinian leaders must prioritize these areas if they hope to build a peaceful future.
Ultimately, as Christians, we cannot remain silent. The Bible calls us to respond when one part of the Body of Christ suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26). It’s not enough to pray in private; we must also speak out and act, as Christ would—non-violently, but powerfully. If we seek His wisdom, He will guide us. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Peace is possible, but it will require us to live out the wisdom from above—pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. Let us be peacemakers, trusting in God’s power to transform even the most difficult circumstances.