War or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with Israel

Let’s be honest, the world’s on edge right now. With tensions rising between Iran and the United States, and Israel caught in the crosshairs, the headlines are chaotic, and the spiritual confusion is even worse.

People are asking: Is war just legalized murder? Should Christians care about these conflicts overseas? And why do so many Bible-believing Christians defend Israel?

These are good questions. But as always, we don’t look to culture for answers. We go straight to God’s Word.

Murder Is Always Sinful
Let’s start with the obvious. God hates murder. He always has.

“You shall not murder.” – Exodus 20:13, LSB

Murder is the intentional, unjust killing of an innocent person. It’s personal. It’s lawless. And it’s a direct attack on the image of God in another human being.

Jesus takes it even deeper in the New Testament:

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court…” – Matthew 5:22, LSB

Murder starts in the heart—with unchecked hatred, resentment, and bitterness. It’s the fruit of sin, not justice.

War Is Not Always Murder
Now here’s the difference: war, though tragic, is not always sinful. War is sometimes a nation’s way of defending its people, upholding justice, or standing against evil. While all killing is painful, not all killing is murder.

“For it is a minister of God to you for good… But if you do what evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword in vain.” – Romans 13:4, LSB

Governments, according to Scripture, are given authority by God to protect their people and execute justice when necessary. Ecclesiastes 3:8 reminds us there is “a time for war and a time for peace.”

So when a nation like the USA responds to aggression or defends its allies, we don't rush to call it murder—we examine it biblically. Is it just? Is it necessary? Is it protecting life?

Why We Stand with Israel
Now let’s talk about Israel, because this matters more than ever.

Why do many Christians support Israel? Because God’s Word tells us to.

“And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” – Genesis 12:3, LSB

This promise was made to Abraham and his descendants. While the ultimate fulfillment is in Christ, the promise still reflects God’s special covenant relationship with the Jewish people.

Romans 11 makes it clear: Israel is not forgotten. The Jewish people remain “beloved for the sake of the fathers” (v. 28), and God has a plan for their salvation and restoration. I'll be preaching on this soon in Romans 11.

To stand with Israel is to align with God's heart. That doesn’t mean we agree with every political decision the Israeli government makes—but it does mean we defend their right to exist, to defend themselves, and to live in peace.

And let’s be honest—when Iran chants “Death to Israel” and funds terror aimed at wiping them off the map, this isn’t just politics. This is spiritual. It’s a direct assault on a nation God has used throughout redemptive history.

How Should We Respond as Christians?
So what do we do in the face of war, rumors of war, and all this global tension?

• We don’t panic. Jesus told us these things would come (Matthew 24)
• We pray. For peace. For leaders. For the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles.
• We discern. Not every war is righteous, but not every use of force is murder.
• We stand. With truth. With Israel. With those defending innocent life.

Kingdom Over Chaos
Our hope is not in America. It’s not in Israel. And it’s sure not in politicians.
Our hope is in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who will return one day and crush all evil under His feet.

I love our nation. I pray for our military. I’m grateful for freedom.

But I also know this: My citizenship is in Heaven. And one day, every war will end—not because of treaties or tanks, but because Jesus Christ will reign.

Until that day, we live in a broken world. We face hard things like this conflict with Iran. But we don’t face them with fear or confusion, we face them with the Word of God in one hand and the hope of Christ in the other.

Keep praying. Keep trusting. And keep your eyes on the true King.

In Love,

Pastor Jody