What a month.  America lost a great patriot.  A great foundation (Turning Point) lost its leader.  A wife lost her husband, and two children lost their father.  I did not know who Charlie Kirk was before his assassination.  I was blind to his great work and how magnificently he represented Christianity throughout America.  But now my eyes are open to what a great man he was.  What a great example of how we should live out our faith.  What a courageous yet loving individual, who never shirked away from his responsibility or calling.

I find it puzzling how some people opposed to Charlie’s faith in Jesus are celebrating his murder.  Yet I understand, it is just as Charlie had declared, we are at war.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

So how are we to respond to the hatred and caustic rhetoric being thrust upon us as followers of Jesus?  First and foremost, understand who the enemy is.  It is not our fellow Americans from the left who may not share in our faith and belief.  It is a fallen angelic being named Lucifer, also known as Satan.  He is the God of this age.  “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:4

Charlie epitomized how a modern-day disciple of Christ should behave.  He did not merely share his opinions with his audience; he shared and spoke the word of God into crowds of people.  We need to realize the power of God’s word.  We need to have it in our minds, upon our hearts, and on our lips.  For that and that alone will transform the minds and hearts of those we speak to.  “For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit.” Hebrews 4:12

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15

The enemy had a plan for this recent horrific event.  God has an even greater plan.  Christians are being mobilized to a posture of prayer.  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14. This terrible event could be the beginning of a healing in America.  During these emotional times, we must err on the right side of love.  Be patient, kind, and gentle with those who oppose our beliefs.  Pray that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened.  Remember that Jesus died for them, too.