Responses to Evil

Responses to Evil

Today, we pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Twenty-four years have passed, yet the grief of that day and the heroism we witnessed remain etched in our hearts. We honor the nearly 3,000 lives taken, the families forever changed, and the first responders who ran toward danger with unwavering courage.

As a nation, we vowed never to forget. May this day remind us of both the fragility of life and the strength that comes from faith, unity, and resolve. In the face of hatred and evil, we are called to stand for truth, cherish freedom, and love one another with God’s love. 

Yesterday, 31-year-old Charlie Kirk was murdered in cold blood — a sobering reminder of the evil and hatred in our nation. This is not new; it is, at its core, a hatred of God and His truth. Satan is the architect of this hatred and still works to divide and destroy. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – 1 Peter 5:8

I sat in shock as I read the reports of Charlie’s sudden and tragic death. Many have said he died for his “opinions” or “political views.” While the world may use those labels, the reality is that Charlie openly testified of his faith in Christ and stood for biblical truth. For that courage, I applaud him. “I…exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” – Jude 1:3

While we grieve his loss, we must also reflect on what his example calls us to today. Our culture frames issues such as marriage, gender, equality, justice, and the value of life as political debates. But they are not political matters — they are eternal truths revealed in the Word of God. “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:160). The world may debate them; God has declared them. It was on that firm foundation that Charlie spoke, and it is on that same foundation that we are called to stand.

May his courage remind us not to be silent, but to live with conviction, trust in God’s Word, and point others to Christ — no matter the cost. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Takeaways:

Love every life that God has created.

We may not agree on everything, but disagreement is never grounds to hate, demean, or “cancel.” True love welcomes honest discussion and even respectful dissent.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:35

Stand upon biblical truth.

Know what you believe and why. God has given us His Word as the road map for life. Stand firm on it, even when the world shifts.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105

Trust God for protection.

Fear can paralyze. It tempts us to go silent, play it safe, or retreat. But we serve a God greater than our fears, and we must rely on Him for wisdom, guidance, and safety.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” – Psalm 56:3

Pray for our nation and revival among God’s people.

America drifts further into darkness each day. Only God’s Spirit can rekindle the Light. Pray for a revival that begins in His people and spreads the gospel to a lost world.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Overcome evil with good.

Do not let hatred and sin have the last word. By God’s grace, respond with righteousness and love. (Romans 12:21)

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21