The news of Charlie Kirk’s death today has shaken many of us. Regardless of where one stands politically, it is a sobering reminder of how fragile our culture has become. Violence has replaced discourse. Anger has silenced understanding. And sadly, too many Christians have stepped back, confusing Christ’s call to love with a command to be silent or weak.
Turning the Other Cheek, What It Really Means
Jesus said:
“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also.” (Matthew 5:39)
This verse has been twisted into a false idea that Christians must always accept abuse, injustice, or corruption without response. But turning the other cheek is not about passivity, it is about refusing to repay evil with evil. It is a call to break the cycle of revenge, not to abandon the fight for righteousness.
It’s about moral courage. It’s about saying: “You will not drag me down to your level.”
Jesus Wasn’t a Push-Over
Twice in the Gospels, Jesus walked into the temple, saw the corruption of His Father’s house, and responded with righteous anger.
“So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts… he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” (John 2:15)
This was not weakness. This was holy strength. Jesus was the embodiment of love and forgiveness, yet He stood fiercely against exploitation, hypocrisy, and evil. He didn’t strike back at personal insults, but He never compromised when God’s honor or truth was on the line.
Where Christians Have Failed
Too often today, Christians mistake silence for holiness. In the name of “turning the other cheek,” many have allowed culture to erode family, morality, and truth. Instead of being salt and light, too many have become lukewarm, more afraid of offending man than of failing God.
This is why corruption spreads unchecked. This is why Christian voices are dismissed in the public square. Not because the world is stronger, but because believers stopped holding the line.
The Call to Hold the Line
Forgiveness is not weakness. Love is not surrender. Mercy is not cowardice.
Paul reminds us:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14)
Strength and love are not opposites, they are partners. We are called to forgive and to stand firm. To love our enemies and to defend righteousness. To speak truth in grace and with boldness.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Charlie Kirk’s death is a tragic example of how far our culture has fallen. But it is also a wake-up call to Christians everywhere. We can no longer afford to confuse meekness with weakness. The world does not need silent Christians, it needs courageous ones.
The church must once again rise with both the heart of a lamb and the strength of a lion.
Because love without truth is powerless.
And truth without courage is meaningless.
Troy P Zehnder 