The Gospel Response to Violence and Vengeance
One of the hate crimes I heard about was especially barbaric. A son waited for years to take revenge on the man who had killed his father. Consumed by rage and grief, he carefully planned every detail. He was patient, calculated, and driven by his own idea of justice. After years of waiting, he finally found the opportunity and killed his father’s murderer.
Hate always demands an eye for an eye. But in the end, it only breeds more pain.
Recently, Charlie Kirk was murdered. He was a kind and good man someone who didn’t harm anyone. All he did was share the gospel, a message of love, peace, and hope. He was killed not for doing wrong, but for doing what was right.
Charlie’s wife loved him deeply. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. Her heart is broken, yet she chose to forgive the man who took her husband’s life. Why? Because Jesus forgave those who crucified Him on the cross.
Her ability to forgive didn’t come from human strength, but from her faith in Jesus the Prince of Peace. It was her belief in Him that gave her the courage to let go of hate and extend forgiveness, even to the one who had taken her joy and future from her.
Jesus Himself was crucified because of the hatred and fear of religious leaders who felt threatened by His teachings, His compassion, and His claim to be the Son of God. But even as He was dying, He prayed, “Father, forgive them.”
Christianity does not teach revenge.
Jesus Himself taught, “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
He didn’t come to promote violence or retaliation He came to bring forgiveness, peace, and love. His mission was to restore the broken relationship between humanity and a holy God. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He made a way for sinners to be reconciled to God, not through vengeance, but through grace.
Jesus didn’t return hate with hate. Even as He was being crucified, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Reflections on Jesus’ Crucifixion and the Gift of Salvation