The Boundaries of Christian Love: From Charlie Kirk’s Shooter to Satan
“When tragedy strikes, Christian love is tested at its very limits.”
Processing the News of Charlie Kirk’s Death
On September 10, 2025, my wife told me Charlie Kirk had been shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The news shook me. My first thought as a believer was: How should I respond in a Christlike way?
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during his “American Comeback Tour.” Authorities report the shooter fired from a rooftop and has since been arrested. This tragic act of political violence raises moral, legal, and spiritual questions.
Wrestling With My Reaction
My gut response was grief, especially for Charlie’s wife and children, a family of strong faith. I asked myself, ‘What is happening in our world?’ Why such hatred and division?
In my studies of Scripture with Pastor Duncan, I’ve learned to pause, reflect, and ask: How should I respond as a follower of Christ? The Pastor always has such grace with his thoughtful responses to my probing questions.
A Difficult Question: Should We Love Even the Shooter?
At Bible study the next morning, I asked: If we’re called to love even Charlie’s shooter, does that extend to Satan himself? This senseless act of violence was so cruel.
Scripture clarifies for us that our true enemies are not people: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). Humans may oppose us, but the deeper battle is spiritual. Satan’s kingdom of darkness works through division and destruction.
Understanding the True Enemy
People commit terrible acts, yet they remain souls made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). Satan, however, is different, already judged and beyond redemption (Revelation 20:10). We resist him, not love him (James 4:7).
Therefore, Christian love extends to sinners who may still repent, but never to Satan. Our task is to stand firm in Christ while showing mercy to those who have been deceived by evil.
Practical Christian Responses to Evil
Christian love does not excuse sin or avoid justice. The shooter must be held accountable, yet we are called to:
Grieve honestly for the loss and lament before God.
Support Charlie’s family and community.
Seek justice through lawful means.
Pray for the shooter’s repentance and the salvation of their soul.
Forgive, releasing hatred and bitterness.
Resist evil, distinguishing the sinner from Satan.
This balance honors both justice and mercy.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Our emotions of anger, sorrow, and even confusion are natural. Yet Christ calls us to grow through tragedy:
Anchor in God’s sovereignty (Romans 8:28).
Follow Christ’s example of mercy in suffering (Philippians 2:5).
Share struggles with the church (James 5:14–16).
Channel grief into service and compassion.
Every choice of prayer over hate, forgiveness over revenge, and compassion over bitterness shapes us more into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29).
A Prayer for the Kirk Family and the Shooter
Dear Heavenly Father, we grieve deeply for Charlie’s family. Surround them with Your peace and strength. We also lift the shooter. In obedience to Christ, we pray for his soul, that he may repent. Bring justice swiftly and mercy according to Your will. Keep us from hatred and teach us to walk as Jesus walked, grieving, forgiving, praying, and trusting in Your sovereignty. May this tragedy refine, not harden us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.