When Evil Shakes Us

Finding peace when justice feels unfinished

The murder of Charlie Kirk has brought out so many reactions. Here is my take.

Perspective

It is not easy to reconcile what happened. Murder is terrible, and it is clearly spelled out as a sin. Sin shows up in many forms, but murder feels like the worst of them all.

It is a very human reaction to want justice based on our own standard. We might even think, “If God is just, then He would…,” and fill in the blank with what we believe should happen. That blank usually matches our personal sense of justice.

I have wrestled with this. How I feel. What I have seen in the reactions of people I know and people I do not. And whether this is a test of faith.

Name evil for what it is. Leave judgment to God. Forgive when you are wronged, and support others by entrusting their hurts to Him.- Brian’s framework.

Charlie Kirk had very clear views on biblical teaching. He was strong, he communicated with clarity, and he was not shy about it. I admired that strength, especially in someone so young.

Here is the truth I have landed on. Embracing a biblical framework for how God wants things does not make you a hateful person. God is the ultimate judge, and judgment belongs to Him alone. Charlie used the biblical framework he believed in to address questions brought up by culture. For some that hurt and it was taken as hate for some that are not living in that framework. I did not see Charlie Kirk as a hateful person. Unwavering on that framework sure. But hating anyone. I didn’t see it.

Earthly justice will take its course. The man who did this will answer for it. But even beyond courts and verdicts, God sees the full weight of evil. His judgment is higher and His vision is eternal. That is where I place my trust, because no system of man can ever make things fully right.

And I have noticed something else. Some who celebrated this murder online are now facing consequences. Teachers, employees, and even first responders have lost jobs or been disciplined for what they posted. I cannot call that persecution. That is simply reaping what you sow. Words have weight. If we choose to glorify evil, we should not be surprised when those choices carry a cost. Also, just because someone is pointing out this shocking event doesn’t mean that other events don’t move them as well. It was just this one and all that seems to have surrounded it that has triggered a bigger discourse. I also notice that some people who reacted to some of us reacting to this didn’t react to that other thing either.

Scripture says it clearly: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Jesus also warned, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). That should make us all pause before we speak or post.

Evil is evil. Forgive those who have wronged you directly. When others are hurt, walk with them, pray for them, and trust God to bring healing and justice in His time. After all, He placed this little planet in a solar system, inside a galaxy, surrounded by billions of galaxies. He has it under control.

I am still shocked by that murder. I am not so shocked by some of the unfortunate things people have said. I am not so shocked about the strong positive reaction many have had. Unfortunately, a husband, a father, and a young man is no longer with us. May God bless his soul, comfort his family, and guide our nation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please protect us from evil. Please protect us from falling too far into our own sense of what is just and right. Help us to see the world more like You do and less like we do. Our culture and its divisions often pull us away from You. Please guide us back. Teach us to love as You loved. Show us how to be as You want us to be. Strengthen those who struggle with Your way, and help us guide those we can back to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.