In Response to Charlie Kirk's Murder, Let Us Be More Like Charlie

When I first heard the news about Charlie Kirk's assassination, I felt sick to my stomach. I thought about his young wife and 2 small children, and the future that awaits them, and I felt crushed. With the sudden loss of our son-in-law, leaving Amanda, Alli, Wes, and Max, we know something about what's ahead.

Then I got angry. Within moments, that anger began to move towards hate- hate for the killer and hate for the extreme political positions that cause these things to occur.

But then I thought about Charlie. Charlie was constantly threatened and verbally attacked. He was vilified and accused of fomenting violence. And yet, Charlie always responded with kindness and compassion. He forgave people who hated him and had great patience with people who did not yet understand the truth in his beliefs.

Why? Because letting Jesus live His nature and character live through him was Charlie's highest goal. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Charlie said, "For courage in my faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." 

Though he felt a clear calling to help younger generations learn about and embrace conservative values and move the political conversations in that direction, he saw his platform as a means of boldly sharing his faith. Charlie was fearless in proclaiming his faith in the "public square" but...always with gentleness and respect. Charlie embodied Peter's exhortation in a time that was far more dangerous than today.

1 Peter 3:15- "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Charlie loved those who hated him and violently disagreed with him. He forgave those who abused him. He worked hard to truly listen to everyone. He worked hard to respond with facts, never personal attacks. Never to shame or degrade, but always showing love and compassion.

Please do not give in to anger and hate. But, like Charlie, let Jesus love them through you. And do not despair for the growth of the Gospel. Paul made it clear what happens when enemies of the Cross strike out in hate. The Fire grows and the Message explodes!

Phil 1:12-14- "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."

Let's be like Charlie...because Charlie was so much like Jesus.

-Mark

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