On Sept. 10, my wife texted to tell me that Charlie Kirk had been shot. My first thought was that, like President Trump, the wound might not be fatal. I was waiting for a medical appointment, so I turned to social media and saw posts asking for prayer for Charlie Kirk. What I did not expect to see were laughing emojis.

No one can deny that Charlie Kirk was targeted because of his words and ideas. His critics, who called him names, did not bother to watch more than clips of his college campus debates. The same people who celebrate criminals were quick to demonize Kirk. Because he was a Christian conservative, no amount of testimony from people of color or homosexuals who were his close friends mattered.

People worldwide declared, “We are Charlie Kirk.” What does that mean? Clearly, they did not believe the slander. They are saying, “I stand for free speech.” If your beliefs are similar to Kirk’s, these same individuals might be eager to see you harmed. In that context, their statement shows defiance and courage in the face of those who might hurt them.

We probably do not agree with everyone 100% of the time. Kirk was a Cubs fan, for example. Do you remember a time when it was not a big deal if someone was a Democrat or a Republican? It does not seem like it was that long ago. It is chilling to realize just how much conservative Christians are hated.

This reminds me of what Jesus said in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

Have you been surprised that there have not been riots, protests or acts of retaliation? The day after free speech was attacked, we remembered the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Some colleges were on alert that day, but there were no acts of retaliation as some expected. Think about it; this was not an accidental death that seemed intentional; this was an assassination of a man with a microphone in his hand.

1 Peter 2:21-24 says, “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (CSB).

I knew very little about Charlie Kirk’s family until this tragedy. During the funeral service, one of the most powerful moments was when Erika Kirk forgave the young man who murdered her husband. Across social media, non-Christians expressed their surprise and admiration for her words.

Christians forgive because God has forgiven us, as shown in Ephesians 4:32. When a Christian forgives, it does not mean that murderers will avoid being held accountable for their crimes. This young man will face the death penalty. Those who do evil should fear the sword of a righteous government. This is a biblical principle. His eternal destiny is in God’s hands.

If Erika chose to hate instead of love, she would poison her spirit and bring herself misery. By forgiving, she is releasing the situation into God’s hands. He has promised that He will avenge us.

“Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 (CSB).

Charlie Kirk’s funeral was a worship service. Thousands of people made professions of faith in Christ, and many others renewed their commitment to their faith. There have been tens of thousands of new requests for Turning Point Chapters. Instead of silencing Kirk’s voice and movement, his martyrdom has amplified his message.

Shawn Wasson, D.Min., is the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church.