This past week has been difficult for many with the assassination of Charlie Kirk by an evil terrorist. This act of terrorism was designed to spread fear and to silence opposition. It had another effect: to spread hate. The hate that led to the act now can spread to those who are affected by it. This hate can lead to the desire for vengeance of the assassin, and also, on those who agree with this violence. Is Vengeance OK, or is it harmful, and how does it compare to justice?
Vengeance = Hate & Revenge
Vengeance is the desire for the target to suffer, to feel the pain they have inflicted on others. Vengeance is powerful as it feeds off our emotions and takes a life of its own. We want the target to be in agony, and those who agree with their viewpoints to suffer as well. We feel justified to the point where it becomes a “holy” crusade. It can consume our thoughts to the point where we think about it all the time. The hate becomes comfortable and is a fuel for our actions. In time, it can radicalize us, like the assassin who killed Charlie Kirk, to the point where we would consider violence ourselves.
Vengeance is a poison that takes all joy and love from our lives. How much love do you think the assassin had in his heart? None. His heart was full of hate and vengeance. If we allow vengeance to win, we will become like him, and he will win.
I will not pretend I have not had similar thoughts. Last week, there were moments where I wanted him to suffer, where hate was like a fire within me. I could feel the hate like a furnace traveling from my chest to my head, to the point my face turned red. Emotions are powerful, and these emotions are among the most intense we can experience. Last Wednesday and Thursday were days I had to fight back hate, as this is what the enemy wants. Vengeance is evil; however, justice is not.
What Is Justice?
Justice is wanting lawful, reason-based consequences for evil acts. Justice is not based on emotion or feelings. Justice is designed to deter others from making the same choices in the future. Justice for the assassin (which you will note I refuse to name him, as he deserves not to be remembered as a person) is for him to stand trial for what he has done, then to abide by what the jury finds. If the death penalty is what is called for in his state, then so be it. Others need to understand that their lives will end if they repeat these actions, and they must also recognize that there will be law and order. Justice is the consequence of actions, which is something we must all take into account.
Radical extremists do not want justice; they want vengeance. They want satisfaction. The problem is, where does it end? If someone kills this assassin before justice can happen, it only encourages those who agree with him to repeat his actions. The cycle of hate will never end, and we could end up in civil war. Vengeance will lead to the collapse of society, which is on the tipping point.
Words Do NOT Equal Violence
Many on the left have said that words equal violence, which is a gross lie. Charlie Kirk being shot in the throat in front of his family (including his children) is violence. Having a different opinion is not. We are all too quick to label those who do not think the exact same way as Nazi’s or “The Enemy”. Lies like this fuel vengeance, which can turn to acts of violence in those with a small mind. The media likes to fuel this as well, and their agenda lines up with the assassins. If you believe words are the same as a bullet, vengeance already has you.
Leftists Are Losing Their Jobs! That’s Vengeance! That’s Hate!
Wrong! Many on the left are praising the actions of this assassin. They justify this by dehumanizing Charlie Kirk, making his killing a justifiable act. Their hateful posts have spread on social media and have been noticed by many. Some have even called for the death of his children! However, many of their employers have fired them for their comments. Many argue they have free speech, and what they said is not wrong (to them), and they are being treated unfairly. Is this vengeance? No, It is Justice.
Actions have consequences, even if you do not plan for them. None of these people making violence-inducing comments considered that they could be fired for doing so. However, Charlie Kirk’s assassination has been one of the most polarizing actions in the past twenty years. The level of anger, pain, and loss has not existed to this degree since 911. People are angry and are tired of senseless killings over different opinions. As a result, companies risk losing business if they have employees who endorse violence. Companies have to do what is best for their businesses, and many have chosen to fire people who support violence. Yes, there is freedom of speech, but that does not mean freedom from consequences!
Those who have been fired need to take a step back and realize how far down they have fallen. To praise and celebrate the murder of someone in front of their family is inhuman. The consequence of being fired can hopefully be a turning point for them, to see how wrong they are, and to change. This is justice, as it will reduce others from spreading hate, but also give them the chance to change. Vengeance would be calling for the people who support the assassination to be killed.
The Thin Red Line
The line from justice to vengeance is thin at best. Emotion makes it easy to hate. It is a battle we all must face and accept that, at times, we need to do better. I am glad many lost their jobs, as they need to see that their words have consequences. We need to acknowledge when we feel hate, recognize its wrongness, and strive to change it. I will not hate the assassin, nor will I hate the people who celebrate his actions. I have had to evaluate some of the statements I have made in the past week, and have determined that this is something I need to improve. However, I want justice to come to them, so the cycle of hatred can end. As a human being and a Christian, I must do battle with hatred, as it is the path of the enemy. I will work daily to defeat it. Will you?
You can reach me at my website or call me directly at 832-559-3520 if you have any questions. Thank You!
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