At Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, Erika Kirk delivered a moving testimony of faith and forgiveness. In the midst of grief, she chose the way of Christ – publicly forgiving her husband’s killer and reminding us all of Jesus’ command to love our enemies: “the answer to hate is not hate.  The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love,” she said. 

 

Speaking next, President Trump rejected that call. Instead of honoring Erika’s plea for love, forgiveness, and unity, he declared: ​

 

“I hate my opponent and I do not want what is best for them. I am sorry, Erika. . . I can't stand my opponent.”

At a memorial service meant to honor a man’s life, where the message of love and compassion had just been proclaimed by his widow, our President chose to reject Christ-like forgiveness, standing in stark contrast to her plea and choosing hatred. 

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This moment was a chance to heal and unify our divided nation. To show respect, compassion, forgiveness, and love in a time of grief. Instead, Trump chose hostility and division, contradicting the gospel and doubling down on his hatred for those he does not agree with.