In a moment of sincere reflection Thursday on MetroNews Talkline, Hoppy Kercheval used his weekly commentary to create a striking contrast between Erika Kirk’s call for forgiveness and President Trump’s admission of hatred toward his opponents.
It was a heavy, timely subject that sparked multiple perspectives – and that’s a good thing. I have a few thoughts of my own after pondering the conversation – and several others it spawned with friends and listeners post show.
Here goes.
Forgiveness is extraordinary, and rarely easy for the human heart to grant, even though we like to think it is. Yes, Christians are instructed to forgive, but that command doesn’t make it effortless. Erika Kirk’s decision to forgive so quickly – though no doubt a journey for her – is remarkable. But there is also a release found for the one that forgives. As a friend told me this week, withholding forgiveness becomes a prison of our own making. Lincoln understood this as well: a refusal to forgive is a denial of a prosperous future (paraphrased). Those who practice forgiveness no doubt understand the reality of it. If more of us did, maybe we would find ourselves faster to forgive?
Another friend offered a different thought through an important question: should we (Christians) look to our president as a moral leader? Talk about a tough question.
For many Christians, me included, values such as forgiveness, humility, and love are central. Scripture reminds us in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruits you will know them.” Our actions – our “fruit” – reveal the condition of our hearts, our motives, our inner self as much as they help us recognize the intentions of others – false teachers in this example. Likewise, 1 John 1:5 tells us that God is light, without sin or imperfection, that makes hate foreign to Him. When we as followers of Christ walk in that light (v. 7), we are changed, drawn closer to his likeness and example.
This is why the president’s rhetoric Sunday matters and raises questions. Many believers appreciate his policies on the economy, immigration, foreign affairs, abortion and other key issues. But when those policies are wrapped in rhetoric that embraces hatred – as Mr. Trump did on Sunday – it raises a real spiritual dilemma. How do I support a leader whose words clash with the values of my faith?
It’s not a comfortable conversation, but it is a necessary one. As Hoppy noted in his piece, Franklin Graham pointed to he who would toss the first stone. Graham’s right, we all fall short. The president, you, me, all of us.
But there is more to consider beyond that example. James 1:5 encourages us to seek wisdom from above. The Holy Spirit can guide us through these complexities, bringing peace to our decisions if we approach them prayerfully. For some, that could manifest itself in a bold support of the president’s policies, dismissing any moral shortcomings, or it might result in an inability to look past the latter making the former moot.
What’s it all mean? It means we should not shy away from dialogue. Like Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14, we too must “take courage” to step into uncomfortable waters where morality, spirituality, and governance meet. It is far better to ask these questions than to ignore them. Others are asking them too, if only internally.
For those who are not followers of Christ, this discussion may feel distant, even unnecessary. It may be fascinating. That’s understandable either way. Faith shapes the way believers think through these matters, and not everyone will arrive at the same place, faith or no faith. Nor is the issue exclusive to the Christian faith or bound by faith. The idea of morality knows many faiths and philosophies, all of which probably create some level of friction in the juxtaposition of forgiveness versus hate, president or not.
But for Christians, the call is clear. By engaging honestly and prayerfully in these conversations, we walk closer to the values we profess. Summed up, the greatest commandments remain simple and powerful: love God, love people. Rooted in this directive, our civic engagement can reflect both faith and compassion, as we pray for our leaders, strengthening the society we share. That too is a journey, but one worth making.