Greetings all. I am writing this not because anyone here has all the answers, nor do I assume that you are in a position to respond to what I am sharing. I have been following stories of Christians who forgave even under the worst persecution, and these testimonies have always encouraged me deeply.
But today I want to touch on a different kind of persecution.
The news of the murder of Charlie Kirk hit me so badly that it literally ruined my days. The past few days have been heavy and confusing. I could hardly focus on anything else; it was a real shock.
When President Trump announced his push for the death penalty for the man who killed Charlie, I actually celebrated in my heart. (I feel so ashamed right now). Yet strangely, in our prayers for Charlie Kirk’s family, we never once thought to pray for the man who killed him and his family.
This morning, during my devotions, the Holy Spirit dropped Matthew 5:44 into my heart: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you....” And the question that followed was: At what point do we obey this commandment from our Lord Jesus Christ, and when do we set it aside to do as we wish? I pray and hope never. Other verses that came to mind:
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned…”
John 8:7 – “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Ezekiel 33:11 – “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked…”
Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.”
We have so many testimonies of Christians who forgave their persecutors; sometimes even leading them to salvation. The Apostle Paul himself once approved the killing of Stephen (Acts 7:58-59), yet God transformed him into one of the greatest voices of the Gospel.
Yes, we are hurt, angry, and disappointed. In our human hearts we are shouting: “Crucify him!” But then I remember Matthew 5:40-45. To me, Charlie Kirk’s killer is still another soul searching for meaning, and Christ is still offering His free gift of salvation (Isaiah 1:18). Are this man's sins greater than individual world leaders responsible for thousands upon millions of people's lives who are still walking freely ready to commit more atrocities. Is it not enough that our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ paid for this man's sins.
By human standards, he deserves the death penalty. But is that what Jesus Christ is saying; is that HIS standard?
I strongly believe, by this event, the enemy has set a trap for Christians worldwide. Persecution is going to increase, and how we respond will shape our testimony. Many are watching this case closely, and it will influence how believers everywhere react when persecution comes to their door, not so far ahead from now.
Are we going to react like the world, or reflect the image of Christ which we were predestined to conform to (Romans 8:29)? Are we going to close the door of salvation on a man who might yet turn to Jesus, or give him the chance until Christ Himself closes that door?
I have read and heard of people who were born again in prison; murderers, rapists, robbers. If we call for the death penalty, we deny this man the very chance that grace once gave us and continues to. For all have sinned and deserve the death penalty (Romans 3:23). The question is: which sin is greater?
Friends, I share this because I sense this moment is bigger than just one case. It may be the enemy’s attempt to fuel division and retaliation and justify revenge and start a cycle of death. But it can also be a moment for the Body of Christ to live out radical obedience to Jesus and give room for His mercy to work.
May the LORD bless and protect you always.
But today I want to touch on a different kind of persecution.
The news of the murder of Charlie Kirk hit me so badly that it literally ruined my days. The past few days have been heavy and confusing. I could hardly focus on anything else; it was a real shock.
When President Trump announced his push for the death penalty for the man who killed Charlie, I actually celebrated in my heart. (I feel so ashamed right now). Yet strangely, in our prayers for Charlie Kirk’s family, we never once thought to pray for the man who killed him and his family.
This morning, during my devotions, the Holy Spirit dropped Matthew 5:44 into my heart: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you....” And the question that followed was: At what point do we obey this commandment from our Lord Jesus Christ, and when do we set it aside to do as we wish? I pray and hope never. Other verses that came to mind:
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned…”
John 8:7 – “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Ezekiel 33:11 – “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked…”
Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.”
We have so many testimonies of Christians who forgave their persecutors; sometimes even leading them to salvation. The Apostle Paul himself once approved the killing of Stephen (Acts 7:58-59), yet God transformed him into one of the greatest voices of the Gospel.
Yes, we are hurt, angry, and disappointed. In our human hearts we are shouting: “Crucify him!” But then I remember Matthew 5:40-45. To me, Charlie Kirk’s killer is still another soul searching for meaning, and Christ is still offering His free gift of salvation (Isaiah 1:18). Are this man's sins greater than individual world leaders responsible for thousands upon millions of people's lives who are still walking freely ready to commit more atrocities. Is it not enough that our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ paid for this man's sins.
By human standards, he deserves the death penalty. But is that what Jesus Christ is saying; is that HIS standard?
I strongly believe, by this event, the enemy has set a trap for Christians worldwide. Persecution is going to increase, and how we respond will shape our testimony. Many are watching this case closely, and it will influence how believers everywhere react when persecution comes to their door, not so far ahead from now.
Are we going to react like the world, or reflect the image of Christ which we were predestined to conform to (Romans 8:29)? Are we going to close the door of salvation on a man who might yet turn to Jesus, or give him the chance until Christ Himself closes that door?
I have read and heard of people who were born again in prison; murderers, rapists, robbers. If we call for the death penalty, we deny this man the very chance that grace once gave us and continues to. For all have sinned and deserve the death penalty (Romans 3:23). The question is: which sin is greater?
Friends, I share this because I sense this moment is bigger than just one case. It may be the enemy’s attempt to fuel division and retaliation and justify revenge and start a cycle of death. But it can also be a moment for the Body of Christ to live out radical obedience to Jesus and give room for His mercy to work.
May the LORD bless and protect you always.
Greetings all. I am writing this not because anyone here has all the answers, nor do I assume that you are in a position to respond to what I am sharing. I have been following stories of Christians who forgave even under the worst persecution, and these testimonies have always encouraged me deeply.
But today I want to touch on a different kind of persecution.
The news of the murder of Charlie Kirk hit me so badly that it literally ruined my days. The past few days have been heavy and confusing. I could hardly focus on anything else; it was a real shock.
When President Trump announced his push for the death penalty for the man who killed Charlie, I actually celebrated in my heart. (I feel so ashamed right now). Yet strangely, in our prayers for Charlie Kirk’s family, we never once thought to pray for the man who killed him and his family.
This morning, during my devotions, the Holy Spirit dropped Matthew 5:44 into my heart: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you....” And the question that followed was: At what point do we obey this commandment from our Lord Jesus Christ, and when do we set it aside to do as we wish? I pray and hope never. Other verses that came to mind:
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned…”
John 8:7 – “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Ezekiel 33:11 – “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked…”
Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.”
We have so many testimonies of Christians who forgave their persecutors; sometimes even leading them to salvation. The Apostle Paul himself once approved the killing of Stephen (Acts 7:58-59), yet God transformed him into one of the greatest voices of the Gospel.
Yes, we are hurt, angry, and disappointed. In our human hearts we are shouting: “Crucify him!” But then I remember Matthew 5:40-45. To me, Charlie Kirk’s killer is still another soul searching for meaning, and Christ is still offering His free gift of salvation (Isaiah 1:18). Are this man's sins greater than individual world leaders responsible for thousands upon millions of people's lives who are still walking freely ready to commit more atrocities. Is it not enough that our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ paid for this man's sins.
By human standards, he deserves the death penalty. But is that what Jesus Christ is saying; is that HIS standard?
I strongly believe, by this event, the enemy has set a trap for Christians worldwide. Persecution is going to increase, and how we respond will shape our testimony. Many are watching this case closely, and it will influence how believers everywhere react when persecution comes to their door, not so far ahead from now.
Are we going to react like the world, or reflect the image of Christ which we were predestined to conform to (Romans 8:29)? Are we going to close the door of salvation on a man who might yet turn to Jesus, or give him the chance until Christ Himself closes that door?
I have read and heard of people who were born again in prison; murderers, rapists, robbers. If we call for the death penalty, we deny this man the very chance that grace once gave us and continues to. For all have sinned and deserve the death penalty (Romans 3:23). The question is: which sin is greater?
Friends, I share this because I sense this moment is bigger than just one case. It may be the enemy’s attempt to fuel division and retaliation and justify revenge and start a cycle of death. But it can also be a moment for the Body of Christ to live out radical obedience to Jesus and give room for His mercy to work.
May the LORD bless and protect you always.
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