I just finished reading Son of Hamas, a true story written by the son of a Hamas co-founder. His name is Mosab Hassan Yousef, also known as The Green Prince. He rejected Islam and served as an undercover agent for Shin Bet, the Israeli Security Agency. Here’s what he had to say about the Middle East in his afterword. “There is hope for peace in the Middle East, but it does not begin with political solutions or negotiations; it begins with the changing of individual hearts.”  

He was speaking from experience. His own heart had transcended to “love your enemies.” In his spy work, he refused to be part of any killing, on either side, but helped prevent many deaths, on both sides.  

More than ever, I think he’s right. There will always be terrorism and narcissism and imperialism and sociopaths and fights over territory and religious wars. When people feel justified and righteous in their horrific behavior, it will never end. The only answer is changed hearts. 

Mosab Hassan Yousef’s change of heart came about because he started following the teachings of Jesus. They were the only things that made sense to him. He was slowly transformed. To be transformed is to “change in condition, nature or character.” 

Interestingly, this wasn’t your basic evangelistic book. The Christian part took up very little space. He doesn’t even call himself religious, but his change was unmistakable. I guess that’s the thing about a transformed heart. It shows. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2