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And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 (NLT)
Years ago, many Christians wore bracelets bearing the acronym WWJD—“What Would Jesus Do?” A simple yet powerful reminder to live in a way that reflected Christ’s character.
Recently, in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, a similar question has stirred in my heart:
WWJS—What Would Jesus Say?
Would Jesus say:
“I’m glad he’s dead?"
“He reaped what he sowed?"
“He lived by the sword, so he died by the sword?"
“Good riddance”?
These are just a few of the comments circulating on social media. But is this really the posture God calls His people to take?
Scripture gives us clear guidance.
Colossians 3:17 reminds us that whatever we say should reflect Jesus.
Ephesians 5:1 urges us to imitate God in everything we do, because we are His dear children.
And James 3:9–10 warns us about the power of our words:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings… Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Understandably, some may feel a sense of emotional release or vindication in response to Charlie Kirk’s passing, especially given the harm his rhetoric caused to marginalized communities—including people of color, women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community. But as followers of Christ, we are not called to respond with venom, hatred, or cruelty—particularly in public spaces where our witness is visible.
Instead, we are invited to speak truth with love.
To disagree without dehumanizing.
To remember that behind every death is a grieving family—a wife, children, friends—mourning a profound loss.
Author John Pavlovitz puts it powerfully in a recent post on his blog, The Beautiful Mess, titled Charlie Kirk and the Value of Empathy:
I genuinely grieve for Charlie Kirk’s wife, for his children, for his family, for those whose lives are impacted by his violent and premature death. Regardless of the fact that I opposed almost everything he stood for and said and did with his platform, I understand that he was a human being whose existence mattered. The damage I believe he did to so many vulnerable people and to millions of young minds here does not render me incapable of lamenting his murder or of mourning for his loved ones. Because true empathy transcends tribal loyalties, it reaches beyond surface affinities, and it values every human.
Every life, no matter how controversial is still a life made in the image of God. So before we speak publicly about Charlie Kirk's death, maybe it’s worth asking:
WWJS—What Would Jesus Say?
May this question guide our words.
May it lead our tone.
And may the heart of Christ be reflected in every public conversation.
Sharing my perspective,
Jeaninne
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