I’m experimenting with using AI to generate small group discussion materials on events when they occur to help facilitate relevant and timely conversation and study. These can be controversial subjects so the goal is to find a way to talk about things in a way that still respects diversity of opinion on controversial points.
We’re going to make these available to our paid subscribers in the future, but I wanted to see what you think about it. Please feel free to use this to guide discussions this weekend at your local church, or Bible studies, and let me know how it goes. This is a project in process so your feedback is essential. What do you like or not like?
– Michael Peabody
Opening Statement (Read Aloud)
Today, we are coming together not to debate politics, but to reflect on grief, violence, and God’s call for His people. Some of us may have disagreed with Charlie Kirk’s words or positions. Some may have felt hurt by them. Others may have admired him. But what unites us is this: his life was sacred, his death was tragic, and his family is in pain.
We are also remembering the life of Iryna Zarutska, a refugee who fled war only to lose her life on a train in Charlotte. We are remembering the many lives in Chicago taken by violence and rarely noticed outside their neighborhoods. And we are remembering those still grieving from September 11, carrying scars in body and memory.
This is a time to weep with those who weep, to listen to God’s Word, and to ask: What does it mean for us, the church, to be peacemakers in a violent nation?”
Scripture Readings
Invite participants to take turns reading.
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Psalm 34:18
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Proverbs 14:34
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Jeremiah 17:9
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2 Chronicles 7:14
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Romans 12:17–21
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Revelation 21:4
Discussion Questions and Notes
1. On Sorrow
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Question: What strikes you most about the grief of Charlie Kirk’s family, Iryna Zarutska’s family, the families in Chicago, and 9/11 survivors?
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Leader note: Guide them to see grief as universal. Even if opinions differ, sorrow is shared.
2. On Violence
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Question: Why does Scripture tie violence to the heart (Jeremiah 17:9)?
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Leader note: Point out that violence comes from sin-sick hearts, not just external factors.
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Question: How has our culture grown numb to violence?
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Leader note: Encourage examples: constant headlines, desensitization, entertainment.
3. On God’s Nearness
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Question: How does Psalm 34:18 speak to those who feel abandoned?
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Leader note: Emphasize that God draws near to the brokenhearted, no matter who they are.
4. On the Church’s Role
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Question: What does humbling ourselves, praying, and turning back to God look like today (2 Chronicles 7:14)?
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Leader note: Shift focus inward, to the church’s responsibility.
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Question: How do we “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21)?
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Leader note: Explore forgiveness, practical service, advocacy for peace.
5. On Hope
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Question: How does Revelation 21:4 strengthen us in times of violence?
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Leader note: Help participants imagine God Himself wiping tears from eyes.
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Question: How can songs of hope help us?
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Leader note: Use examples like God of This City (hope now) and Where the Streets Have No Name (longing for eternity).
Gentle Redirection Phrases
If politics dominate:
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“I hear your perspective. Let’s set aside debate for tonight and focus on the deeper truth: his life was sacred, his death was tragic, and his family is grieving.”
If the group gets heated:
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“This is tender ground. Let’s take a breath and return to Scripture.”
If someone minimizes grief:
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“Whatever we think of his words, his children and wife are grieving deeply. Scripture calls us to ‘weep with those who weep’ (Romans 12:15).”
If blame arises:
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“Violence is never justified by rhetoric. Every person bears God’s image, and violence always breaks God’s heart.”
Application Points
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Refuse to Forget Names: Charlie, Iryna, Chicago’s children, 9/11 survivors—all are known to God.
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Guard Your Words: Ask, “Am I sowing peace or anger with my speech?”
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Intercede for Cities: Pray specifically for Charlotte, Chicago, New York, and your own city.
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Live as Peacemakers: Consider concrete acts of love: mentoring, supporting grieving families, advocating for peace.
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Hold Eternal Hope: Anchor in the promise that God will one day wipe away every tear.
Closing Prayer
Song of Hope
After prayer, invite reflection through song. You might choose:
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God of This City (anthem for now, declaring God has more to do in our communities).
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Where the Streets Have No Name (U2 live) (anthem for eternity, pointing to the city where tears and violence are no more).
Frame it this way:
“Let this song be our closing reflection. For Charlie’s family, for Iryna’s mother, for Chicago’s unnamed, and for 9/11 survivors, we lift a cry for hope beyond sorrow, beyond division, beyond streets of blood. Scripture promises a city where God Himself will wipe away every tear. Let this song carry our prayer into that longing.”
👉 Leader encouragement:
Your role is to guard the tone: compassionate, prayerful, Scripture-centered. Avoid debate. Point hearts to Jesus. Trust that God can use this conversation to stir repentance, compassion, and hope.
