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In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk said of her husband’s killer, “I forgive him,” explaining that she was following the example of Jesus Christ.
Her words are a powerful testimony of grace, and they reflect a heart surrendered to Christ.
But for clarity’s sake, it’s important to remember what Scripture teaches about forgiveness.
When Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Notice — Jesus didn’t automatically declare His executioners forgiven. He offered forgiveness through His sacrifice, but the actual receiving of that forgiveness requires repentance and faith.
That’s why the apostles preached, “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
So how does that apply here?
When a Christian says, “I forgive,” it doesn’t mean the sinner is automatically absolved by the person or God.
What it does mean is this: I release my personal right to vengeance. I will not live chained to bitterness or hatred. I entrust justice to God.
This is exactly what Jesus modeled when He extended mercy even to those who rejected Him.
That’s the balance:
· Christ offers forgiveness, but it must be accepted through repentance.
· Believers extend forgiveness by refusing to harbor anger and imitating Christ’s mercy.
· Governments execute justice by bearing the sword to restrain evil and punish wrongdoing.
Seen this way, Erika Kirk’s words are fully consistent with the Gospel.
She was not making a theological decree about her husband’s assassin’s eternal state.
She was showing the world that her heart is free from hatred and anchored in Christ’s example — even while the state must still act with the sword of justice.
Forgiveness does not mean immunity from justice, however. Those who commit violence must still face the consequences of their crimes in the courts of law.
“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:3-5
To forgive from the heart is not to excuse, minimize, or tolerate evil — but to place vengeance in the hands of God and justice in the hands of rightful authorities.
Martin Mawyer is the President of Christian Action Network and host of the “Shout Out Patriots” podcast. Follow him for more action alerts, cultural commentary, and real-world campaigns defending faith, family, and freedom.
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