There are many either/or choices in this life: Coke or Pepsi, PC or Mac, Democrat or Republican, Denver Broncos or Oakland Raiders. When there is a mutually exclusive duo, most people will naturally side with one or the other. Some may be more vehement in their loyalties; some less so. Most will be able to give a rational explanation for their allegiance—except possibly Raider fans. Rarely, however, will you find a person expressing a love for both.

While some contrasting choices are naturally exclusive, others are forced. This is particularly apparent when it comes to relationships. Two married couples become close friends. Then one of the pairs goes through a divorce. Suddenly, the remaining couple finds themselves in the awkward position of having to choose between one spouse and the other. The more bitter the split, the more difficult and uncomfortable the choice. Sadly, many children are placed in this same situation when the acrimony between their separated parents means they have to side with either mom or dad.

There are some dilemmas, though, that are false: cats or dogs, Chevy or Ford, chocolate or vanilla, original Star Trek or Next Generation. In each of these pairs, many people may feel a strong preference. Few, though, would adamantly say that you must side with one or the other (and yes, I am prepared for the onslaught of Trekkie emails I may receive). Just because two things appear to be exclusive, it doesn’t mean that they are.

This is true when it comes to Jews and Arabs. Many in the Church feel they must take a side based on the principle that says the enemy of my friend is my enemy. There are those who see God continuing his relationship with the Jews as his Chosen People up through modern times. Because so much of the Middle East hates Israel—particularly the Palestinians—some would argue that Christians should have no time for the Arab people. There are also those in the Church who believe that God’s relationship with the Jews ended with their unrepentant sin and their rejection of Christ. Many in this camp plead the cause of the Palestinians and can fully understand the anger of Middle Eastern countries against Israel.

Both of these views fall into the trap of a false dichotomy. To say the enemy of my friend is my enemy may work in politics and global alliances, but it does not work in the Church. Paul wrote, “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:12-13). There are two overarching ethnic categories in Scripture—Jew and Gentile. If you are not a Jew, then you are a Gentile. Thus, Arabs are Gentiles. Paul makes it clear that both Jews and Arabs are ultimately the same when it comes to Christ’s salvation. God chose Israel to be his special people tasked to carry out a special plan. However, that doesn’t mean he loves non-Jews any less. Speaking to both Jews and Gentiles in the Galatian church, Paul said, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28).

Jesus Christ is the Great Unifier. He died for the Jews. He died for the Arabs. He died for the Europeans and the Americans and the Africans and the Asians. Through his blood, we are all “one in Christ Jesus”! So as you pray, ask God for the peace of Jerusalem. However, also ask him for the peace of Riyadh and Damascus and Tehran and Gaza. When it comes to our love, there must be no choosing sides. Plead for the Lord to bring his light to all peoples of all nations, for it is only through Christ that Jews and Gentiles alike will find hope, joy, and salvation.

-Joel