OPINION:
It takes just a moment to transfix a nation — a quick snippet of time that exposes something truly moving, shocking, surprising or inspiring to leave the masses in absolute awe.
We recently witnessed such a moment when Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist and Christian commentator Charlie Kirk, stood before the world and heroically forgave her husband’s killer.
Kirk was shot in the neck on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University, a grisly event that shocked and horrified the nation. Just days later, Ms. Kirk stood on a stage during his public memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and astounded everyone who watched.
“My husband, Charlie — he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” Ms. Kirk proclaimed, going on to reference Jesus’ words on the cross. “That young man — that young man. … On the cross: Our Savior said, ’Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.’”
The reference to this Gospel story is deeply powerful, as Scripture recounts how Jesus — who was being brutally mocked and slaughtered — appealed to God to forgive those actively taking his life.
Ms. Kirk, drawing strength from that story, proceeded to make the statement that stunned the nation.
“That man — that young man. I forgive him,” Ms. Kirk said. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did. … What Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love and always love — love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
The grieving widow, who paused as those in attendance and millions at home watching erupted in tears and applause, did something that, on the surface, seemed unimaginable.
Rather than wish ill on the assassin, lambaste or respond with furor, she understood the essential nature of offering forgiveness to her husband’s killer.
I’ve heard numerous people proclaim that they don’t know how someone could ever forgive such a grievous act — and I understand their confusion. But, as Ms. Kirk so eloquently stated, forgiveness is the core message of the Gospel.
Jesus calls his followers to feed, clothe and even love those who persecute and hate them. In this case, Ms. Kirk is extending that grace to the man who ushered chaos into her world.
Too often, our culture bastes itself in hatred and disdain, ignoring love for the whims of furor and retribution. But Ms. Kirk recognizes that love will heal her heart — and she understands the importance of the command seen in Matthew 6:14-15.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,” verse 14 reads, with 15 continuing: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
In addition to Ms. Kirk living out this call, her response offers a blueprint for a beleaguered culture struggling with division and loneliness. She selflessly put her own emotions to the side, listened to the Lord — and offered something truly beautiful.
“The world needs Turning Point USA,” she continued. “It needs a group that will point young people away from the path of misery and sin. It needs something that will lead people away from hell in this world and in the next. It needs young people pointed in the direction of truth and beauty. And so I promise you, today, every part of our work will become greater.”
Ms. Kirk, who was installed as CEO of Turning Point USA after her husband’s death, is on a faith-driven mission to help others heal. In light of what she’s faced, there’s a lesson about forgiveness in there for us all — one that’s already making an impact.
Actor Tim Allen of “Home Improvement” fame is among those sharing the impact Ms. Kirk’s words have had on his heart and mind. He recently reacted on X to her forgiveness and explained that he has long struggled with the issue in his own life after his father was killed by a drunk driver when he was a young boy.
“When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ’That man … that young man … I forgive him’ — That moment deeply affected me,” Mr. Allen wrote. “I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: ’I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.”
Ms. Kirk’s touching words are causing others to think similarly as they ponder their own struggles with rage and forgiveness.
Ultimately, Ms. Kirk’s posture — to forgive, love and offer hope — is what our culture needs to get to a place of sanity and peace. And it’s the only way to find freedom from the pain and anger that resentment and bitterness breed.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.