I have been asked by a number of people what I think about the Charlie Kirk murder. If you have to ask, you don’t know me. This was a heinous, tragic, awful, indefensible act. Did I like what Charlie Kirk did and the way he did it? No. I disagreed with him at almost every turn. That has nothing to do with it. Violence is the answer to nothing. Killing someone you disagree with is unacceptable. This is an example of everything I write against all the time. In a world where we need examples of grace, forgiveness, tolerance, kindness, compassion and mercy, there is absolutely nothing to debate about the use of violence. We have to live with the fear and oppression of gun culture, but shooting those we call “enemies” is no solution to anything.

A human being was shot and killed. A father, a son, a husband, a child of God. Those who are celebrating his death should be ashamed and conscience-stricken. Certainly, no one calling themself a Christian should feel anything but horror and heartbreak at this tragedy. We will never heal through hate and violence.

We know better. God is love. God is the source of mercy, peace, hope, and justice. Those who draw their life from God cannot support gun violence in our world. Might does not make right; might makes responsibility to act with wisdom, tolerance, patience, and humanity.

Pray for our country. Pray for the Kirk family and supporters. Pray for those who have acted egregiously in the wake of Kirk’s death. Pray for our politicians who are using this tragedy for personal gain. Pray for peace.