“I forgive him.” — Erika Kirk, speaking of her husband’s accused killer
On September 21, 2025, more than sixty thousand people filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona with thousands listening in a second stadium nearby and millions watching on television and online. They came to grieve Charlie Kirk — activist, founder of Turning Point USA, husband, father, believer — who was murdered less than two weeks earlier.
But this was no ordinary memorial. It was equal parts worship service, political rally, and national spectacle. Some came to mourn, others to mobilize, still others to bear witness. For Christians, the question is not only what happened but what it revealed about the church, the nation, and the gospel.
A Gospel Moment in the Midst of Grief
The clearest voice of the day belonged to Erika Kirk. Standing before a stadium and a nation, she chose forgiveness. Through tears, she declared that she forgave the man accused of killing her husband.
Her words echoed Christ’s own on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness is never easy, never cheap. It is costly, humiliating, and profoundly Christian. In an age trained to retaliate, Erika’s words disarmed the crowd and reminded the church of its most radical calling.
Worship in a Stadium
The service was saturated with music. Worship leaders and songwriters like Kari Jones, Chris Tomlin, and Brandon Lake whose work fills churches every Sunday led tens of thousands in hymns and choruses. A sports arena became a cathedral.
Instead of chants of protest, the air reverberated with choruses of praise. Instead of fists, hands were raised. The assassination of a political figure often sparks riots. Here, it sparked worship.
The contrast was powerful. Songs of grace and redemption reframed the day. Whatever else was said from the podium, the music pointed to Christ. And that may prove to be the most lasting testimony of all.
“In the face of violence, Christians can choose praise over protest, worship over wrath.”
What Was Said
The sequence of speeches revealed both the affection for Kirk and the movement he represented. Here are some of the highlights.
Benny Johnson opened with a personal tribute. He spoke of Kirk’s “unsung character,” recalling moments when Kirk quietly stood by friends in crisis. “Charlie showed up when others wouldn’t,” Johnson said. His words painted a portrait of loyalty and hidden faithfulness.
Donald Trump Jr. followed, calling Kirk’s family “the gospel lived out.” He blended humor with tribute, recalling how his father would sometimes phone him to tone down his own fiery posts online. The anecdotes drew laughs, but his point was clear: Kirk’s private life reinforced his public convictions.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, praised Kirk as someone who “slayed ignorance” and “cut through lies.” She insisted that free speech must be defended, even when unpopular. “Charlie lived what our founders envisioned,” she said, “the right to speak freely, even when others disagree.”
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, spoke of condolences from world leaders. He framed Kirk’s movement as more than political. “Charlie’s words carried weight abroad,” Rubio said. “He stirred conviction. He touched lives beyond our borders.”
Ben Carson quoted John 12:24: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” He called Kirk’s death a seed that would bear fruit in the lives of others.
Finally, Donald Trump took the stage. He hailed Kirk as “one of the greatest patriots,” a martyr for freedom and Christian values. He framed the murder as an attack on America itself. Then came the line that startled many: “I hate my opponents and I don’t want the best for them.”
It was delivered in signature Trump style – with a grin, a twinkle in his eye — half-joke, half-confession. The crowd laughed, some cheered. But it landed in tension with Christ’s command: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
Themes and Tensions
Unity and Division
From the stage came calls to unity, to move past rancor. Yet much of the language defined unity against an opponent. For the church, this raises a hard question: unity in Christ, or unity in opposition?
Free Speech and the Gospel
Nearly every speaker emphasized free speech. For Christians, this matters. The gospel itself is a spoken message. If speech is stifled, witness is weakened. Yet free speech must not be confused with license for cruelty. Paul reminded the Corinthians: “Everything is permissible — but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Martyrdom as Symbol
Kirk was cast as a martyr — for conservatism, for America, for Christianity. Martyrdom is powerful. Yet when it is politicized, its meaning shifts. The church must guard against using martyrdom as a tool rather than a testimony.
Forgiveness as the Brightest Witness
Against the backdrop of speeches and slogans, Erika Kirk’s forgiveness shone brightest. Her words were the gospel distilled. That moment may outlast all others.
Biblical Echoes and Historical Parallels
The Bible’s pattern is clear. Israel fell when it trusted in symbols and power more than obedience. The early church remembered martyrs not for their politics but for their witness. America’s Great Awakenings brought lasting change through repentance, not legislation.
Revival cannot be imposed from above. It begins when God’s people humble themselves, repent, and turn toward Him (2 Chronicles 7:14).
What Christians Can Do
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Follow Erika’s Example — Forgive, even when it costs everything.
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Defend Free Speech with Grace — Protect the right to speak, but use it to edify.
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Repent of Hatred — Do not cheer hatred, even when it comes with a wink.
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Put Gospel Before Politics — America is not the kingdom of God. Christ’s kingdom is eternal.
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Seek True Unity — Not against an enemy, but under Christ’s lordship.
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Live Worship Daily — Let the songs sung in a stadium be lived out in neighborhoods.
“If Christians choose forgiveness over fury, worship over wrath, this memorial could become the spark of true revival.”
Conclusion: A Crossroads
The memorial for Charlie Kirk may be remembered as a hinge in American history. It carried the seeds of revival and the seeds of division. Whether it becomes one or the other depends on the church.
Trump’s line — “I hate my opponents” — delivered with a twinkle in his eye, captured the ambiguity of the moment. Erika Kirk’s line — “I forgive him” — captured the clarity of the gospel.
The future of American Christianity may hinge on which line the church chooses to echo.
In the end, the most radical act of the day was not a speech. It was the singing. Where the world expected protest, the church raised praise. Where bitterness might have reigned, worship filled the air.
That was the quiet revolution of the memorial — and it may yet prove to be its most enduring witness.