Erika Kirk forgave the man who assassinated her husband, a thought I’ve wrestled with, and continue to wrestle with.
I shared my thoughts with my wife last night, she felt I might be inviting controversy. Maybe so. So here I am, adding this brief note this morning: These are my thoughts, and this is where I am right now. I may be wrong, but it’s my journey. And I don’t walk it alone.
Starting with Jesus’ words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34, and the Lord’s Prayer, which teaches us to forgive our trespassers, tells us that Jesus forgives for the purpose of salvation. Erika, on the other hand, forgave without absolving the offender, which she really couldn’t do, but for the sake of self-healing. And no doubt she offered forgiveness because it’s part of her faith.
What Erika did was extraordinary, but it doesn’t set a standard that everyone must meet, or at least not meet quickly. I believe God understands my struggle, especially because I can acknowledge it. And because of that, I trust He’s walking with me through it. For some, the journey will be short. For others, it will be long. But He won’t abandon us in the quest.
So, knowing God doesn’t demand perfection, He offers partnership, is the first step. We know this from Jonah. Jonah knew God would extend mercy to his enemies, even though Jonah himself didn’t want them to have it. As in the poem “Footprints,” God remains with us at all times, even through our anger, grief, confusion, and resistance. I love that poem, by the way.
Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing; it’s about finding peace. And that peace is something God promises us. I see what Erika did. I admire it. I’m not there yet. But I believe God is walking with me, and for now, that’s enough.
