By Whether or not you watched the memorial for Charlie Kirk yesterday, you’ve likely heard the three words from it splashed across headlines worldwide.
Regarding the young man who took her husband’s life, Charlie’s wife said, “I forgive him.”
When I heard that, I prayed those words would become the story. And this morning, I was moved to see them everywhere.
“I forgive” is more than a phrase. It’s the message, beginning with Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them.”
It’s the prayer of Stephen as stones crushed his body: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Forgiveness is the heart of God.
It’s the freedom of Christianity (for both those who receive it and give it).
And it has fueled the faith since Jesus died.
As I shared in last week’s live teaching, Grace vs. Evil (watch on YouTube), historians say this counter-cultural forgiveness amid persecution sparked Christianity’s explosive growth—4 million percent in its first 300 years.
But forgiveness isn’t born of human strength or given by willpower.
It’s a fruit of the Spirit.
It flows from those who’ve embraced God’s love and grace for themselves.
As Paul encouraged, “Forgive as you’ve been forgiven” (Ephesians 4:32).
I pray this message becomes a movement.
May it continue through you and me—in our homes, our communities and our witness—so boldly (and compassionately) that the world can’t ignore it.