The Beauty of Forgiveness (Erika Kirk and the Cross-Shaped Power of Mercy)

Yesterday, millions of people watched the memorial gathering for Charlie Kirk either in person or online. And many important figures of our society were there, from influential billionaires to politicians to the president of the US. And I think all true Christians can rejoice in the fact that the Gospel was presented to many and the name of Jesus honoured in the public square.

Now, I’d argue that one of the most important and powerful moments in this whole event was Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika’s, speech. She said lots of great things, upholding Christian values, but the crown of her discourse was the moment she said she forgives the young man who killed her husband. Many times, we say that love is at the center of Christianity, and rightly so, but we can say that this love is especially demonstrated in forgiveness. And Erika modelled this well yesterday.

At the heart of the Gospel is not a God who overlooks our sins and evil, but a God who in mercy extends forgiveness to us. That’s why the calling of the Gospel is not “become my lover” but “repent of your sins, and believe my provision for them.” Erika did what we individual Christians are called to do: to extend forgiveness to our debtors by releasing them from our bitterness and personal vengeance, while praying that they would repent and turn to Jesus for ultimate forgiveness — the full absolution of sins before God.

Erika can let go of her resentment and “valid” desire for vengeance, but only God can give forgiveness in the sense of cancelling the debt of sin before His throne. That is why Jesus had to die: not only to give forgiveness in a general sense, but also to pay for our sins, satisfying the rightful demands of justice.

Also, it is important to remember in this moment that personal forgiveness is not the same as state (civic) forgiveness. The state, in the Bible, is not called to forgive sins but to uphold justice by punishing and restraining evil. If the state “forgave” by ignoring crimes, it would fail its God-given duty and actually become unjust.

So, in all of this sad and horrifying situation, it is good to see God’s principles of justice and mercy being present, and to see each sphere of human existence acting according to God’s good design. May we see more of this. We might not be able to fully establish God’s Kingdom on earth, but this side of reality can be a much better place if we follow God’s ordained patterns.

Nino Marques