Love Your Enemies
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ was packed to the point of overflowing Sunday for a memorial service for Charlie Kirk. The service occurred a week-and-a-half after Kirk was assassinated on the campus of Utah Valley University and just days after his alleged killer appeared in court facing seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder and two counts of obstructing justice. Speakers at the service included both faith and political leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kirk’s wife, Erika, expressed forgiveness to her husband’s killer and reminded attendees that Jesus modeled forgiveness for those who crucified Him while still hanging on the cross.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Two weeks after this evil act, there remain so many reasons for hope. Erika Kirk’s reminder of love and forgiveness for her ultimate enemy is perhaps the most powerful. From where I sit, that type of forgiveness—especially so soon after her husband and the father of her children was taken from her—is only possible in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our family has had this conversation about loving our enemies countless times, and it is likely yours has as well. But this week, the conversation “took on flesh” as the evidence of the Almighty’s power was on display in Erika Kirk’s actions (Jn. 1:14).
It is one thing to say, “Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and to aspire to the type of forgiveness Jesus displayed on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34).
It is a much different thing to actually walk in that forgiveness. When I am wronged, the much more natural inclination is to highlight what justice demands of the one who has wronged me. I can only imagine how much more intense that feeling is when the magnitude of the wrong is this intense. I have no doubt Erika Kirk feels that wrong in her own flesh—and feels it deeply.
This week, as Jesus followers, let’s honestly reflect on how it is possible to truly love our enemies in this way. I welcome your dialogue on this question at theequippednewsletter@gmail.com, but for me it seems clear it is only possible when we are truly yielded to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Justice and vengeance belong to the Lord (Rom. 12:19), and the perpetrator of this horrible act will face earthly justice. But you and I, my friend, are called to love and forgiveness. That is a difficult calling. It requires we be open to our enemies turning from evil even after inflicting evil upon us.
Will you embrace that level of love for your enemies? It will truly set you free.
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.