Faith, War, and Hope: A Call for Unity and Love

 Some may believe that discussing religion and beliefs is a private matter that does not concern others and should not be publicly shared. However, I prefer to stay true to what I believe in—the very foundation upon which I build my choices, writings, thoughts, and relationships. I am a Christian in identity and belonging, and I take pride in that. I believe in one God, whose essence is love, pure and boundless. Love is His purpose and His message to the world.

Because love is what humanity needs most to feel its worth and the greatness of its existence, I remain committed to Christ, His teachings, His words, His actions, and to the apostolic Church that has preserved this heritage throughout the ages.

In light of the ongoing war waged by the Israeli enemy against Lebanon, with the aim of seizing its lands, waters, and natural resources, using "Hezbollah" as a pretext to occupy our land and spread destruction and death, it feels as though they want to erase a history that stretches back 5,000 years. It’s as if they’ve forgotten that our land is one of saints and sanctity, where trees, fruits, and glory have grown, watered by the blood of martyrs and nourished by the resilience of its proud, life-loving people.

Amid this tragic and bleak scene, I must highlight the positives. The Lebanese people are more united than ever before. They have realized the harsh truth—that the world is indifferent to us, with many willing to sell out Lebanon for their own interests.

The displaced from South Lebanon, Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the Bekaa have been warmly received by their fellow citizens across the country. Christians opened their churches, homes, and cities to welcome their fellow compatriots. This is the love that guides the mind and heart of every Christian Lebanese who understands the Gospel, and knows that the core of our faith is love—just as Jesus loved the world without conditions and without limits.

This national solidarity demonstrates that the Lebanese are a people who cherish life and openness to civilization, a people who embrace the divine work within them. True civilization is built on love, and the Lebanese reject war and killing. At the same time, they refuse to cede even an inch of their land. Even if only one person remains, they will defend their homeland, its authenticity, and its history.

I thank God for His love and for His work in the hearts of the people, enabling them to stand in solidarity, especially during these difficult times. The day will come when the sun will rise again over Lebanon, and the world will turn to Lebanon for knowledge, love, culture, art, life, celebrations, and festivals. But we will never forget how the major powers conspired against Lebanon, nor will we forget the silence of the world in the face of Israel’s brutal aggression.

To "Hezbollah," I say: Return to Lebanon, to Lebanon alone. Loyalty should only be to Lebanon—first and foremost. Return to the state and unite your strength with its strength so that Lebanon becomes a strong nation with all its components united. Never forget that Lebanon is a country of diversity and coexistence. No one party can eliminate another, and no political faction should make unilateral decisions on matters of war and peace. The state represents all people and is entrusted with protecting its citizens, land, and borders—no one else.

Return to Lebanon and forget Iran. When we all stand united, no country will dare infringe upon our sovereignty or freedom.

Lord, hear our prayer. Shower us with Your grace so that the war may end, and dawn may rise. May we witness a resurrection like that of Your Son, Jesus, who rose from death victorious and alive forever. Amen.

M.M.