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The assassination of Charlie Kirk this past Wednesday left me heartsick and grieving. Charlie was a dedicated Christ-follower, an exemplary husband and father, and one of the most articulate spokesmen for conservative Christian convictions—especially effective in persuading college students of God’s truth.

Why the World Hated Charlie Kirk

Jesus said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

Charlie Kirk was hated because he was a bright light in a dark place. He stood against the evils of our day. He was an unashamed Bible believer who spoke the truth in love and did so with a joyful spirit. He unapologetically affirmed biblical truth about life in the womb, marriage, and human sexuality, and he championed the importance of free thought on our campuses. Because of his convictions, the world that rejects God’s truth could not tolerate him.

It is appalling to see that many are rejoicing at his death, mocking his faith and ridiculing those who believe in God. But it’s not surprising. Jesus warned, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

 

 

What the World Will Attempt to Do

We can expect that many will use this heinous crime to silence speech they disagree with. Already some progressive politicians and pundits are labeling biblical truths as “hate speech,” suggesting that Christians bring violence on themselves simply by speaking truth. The implication from the world is Christians should remain silent or face consequences.  

How Should Christ-Followers Respond?

It’s hard to be a Christian in times like these. We feel righteous anger and deep sorrow, but we must remember this is a moment for genuine followers of Christ to act like Jesus. Here are some reminders for us today:

We must not retaliate in kind. Jesus said, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:39, 44).

We must not fight with worldly weapons. Paul wrote, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world… they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

We must not further divide America with hateful rhetoric. Scripture is clear: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

We can be spiritual warriors. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-11). We are not called to be passive about our faith. Jesus commanded all of us to actively go and make disciples, (Matthew 28:19).  That’s forward action into places that are even adversarial. Like Charlie Kirk, we should arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, love and pray for those opposed to us,, listen respectfully, and share God’s truths confidently.  

We can be discerning. Jesus warned us to not be deceived by false prophets, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). We already have many deceptive leaders who criticize believers holding to orthodox Christian beliefs as “unloving” and “offensive” and “Christian nationalists.” 

Jesus also said, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Matthew 12:30). Joshua put it plainly: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). This is not a time to drift in the middle. Neutrality is not an option. We must be alert to false teaching and measure every voice against the truth of Scripture.  

We can be bold. When threatened, Peter and John prayed, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29). Many of us admired Charlie Kirk for boldly proclaiming Christ and biblical truths in one of the most hostile environments of our time – secular universities. Acts 4:20 also tells us that Peter and John stood before their rulers and said, “We can’t help speaking about what we have seen or heard.”  

The writer of Hebrews said of Abel, “Though he is dead, he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4). Charlie Kirk has been taken from us, but his testimony of faith and courage will continue to speak.  And more than that, the gospel he proclaimed cannot be silenced.  So let’s not be intimidated into silence.  We need thousands of voices like Charlie Kirk’s—speaking truth with both courage and respect.

We can put our hope in Christ, not in politics. Nations rise and fall, but “we have this living hope that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:4). America may or may not recover, but our citizenship in heaven is secure.  So let’s “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

We can anticipate the Lord’s return. Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37). One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess what Charlie Kirk confessed in life: “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

That is our blessed hope!