For most of my life I’ve assumed that a large-scale war (something like World War I or World War II) belonged more in the history books than in everyday life. But the events of the past few years have made that assumption feel less certain.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has now entered its fifth year. Fighting continues in Gaza. Israel and the United States have attacked Iran and their retaliation has the potential to draw in the wider region. That’s to say nothing of the many other tensions and conflicts around the world.
All of it is a reminder that the world is not as peaceful or stable as many of us had come to assume.
As followers of Jesus, moments like this raise important questions for us.
How should we think about war?
How should we respond?
What should we pray for?
Christians have wrestled with these questions throughout history. Believers have sometimes reached different conclusions, particularly when it comes to the details of particular conflicts. But the Bible does give us several principles that can help guide our thinking.
1. The Church Is Not Called to Wage War
In the Old Testament God’s people were a nation with a land and an army. But with the coming of Jesus the nature of God’s kingdom changed.
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight”(John 18:36).
The church does not advance through military power. The kingdom of God grows through the gospel: through the proclamation of Christ, through prayer, repentance, and transformed lives.
Our struggle, ultimately, is spiritual. As Paul reminds us, we fight not with the weapons of this world but with the “armour of God” (Ephesians 6:10–18).
2. Governments Do Have Responsibility to Use Force
At the same time, the Bible recognises that governments have responsibilities that the church does not.
Romans 13 says that governing authorities are established by God and that rulers “do not bear the sword for no reason… They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4).
Part of the task of government is to restrain evil and protect the innocent. For that reason, many Christians throughout history have argued that while war is always tragic, there may be circumstances where military force is justified, for example, to defend the vulnerable or resist serious injustice.
Christians may come to different conclusions about particular conflicts, and Scripture encourages humility and caution when making those judgments.
3. Christians Should Be People of Peace
Even recognising the role of governments, Christians themselves are always called to pursue peace.
Paul writes, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
War is never something Christians should celebrate. It brings devastation, suffering, and the loss of human lives made in God’s image. Even when force may sometimes be necessary, it should be approached with reluctance rather than enthusiasm.
4. The Ultimate Answer to Human Conflict Is the Gospel
At the deepest level, every war grows from the same root problem: the human heart.
James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1).
No political system, alliance, or military victory can ultimately solve that problem. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring true reconciliation, between people and with God.
History will not end with human diplomacy bringing perfect peace. The Bible tells us that true justice and lasting peace will come when Jesus returns as King.
5. How Should We Respond?
In times like these, one of the most important things Christians can do is pray.
As a church, we should be praying for peace where conflict is raging.
Praying for wisdom and restraint for world leaders making weighty decisions.
Praying for protection for civilians caught in the middle of war.
Praying for justice where oppression and violence are taking place.
And praying for the spread of the gospel, even in the darkest and most difficult places.
We should also remember that our ultimate hope is not in diplomacy, military power, or political alliances. Our hope is in Jesus Christ.
One day he will return to judge evil and establish a kingdom of perfect justice and peace.
Until then, we continue to live as citizens of a different kingdom, seeking peace, loving our neighbours, and bearing witness to the Prince of Peace.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
P.S. In the midst of all this, it’s worth remembering that Iran has been one of the places where the church has grown remarkably in recent years. Despite significant pressure and persecution, many Iranians have come to faith in Christ and house churches have spread across the country.
Please pray especially for our brothers and sisters in Iran, that in the midst of conflict God would protect them, strengthen their faith, and that in the years ahead they may increasingly be able to worship and share the gospel with freedom and peace.