Okay ladies (and gents)… this isn’t my usual kind of post, but it’s for those of us in the church who are trying to navigate all the different opinions about what’s happening right now. My hope is that this encouragement will help us hold our relationships together, even when our opinions don’t always line up. 

As Christians, we hold the Bible as our ultimate standard. There are no exceptions. Truth is not revealed by culture, opinions, or politics—it is revealed in God’s Word. 

There is only ONE side to be on, and that’s God’s side and His WORD. All other sides are of the Devil, and he has already lost. 

Let’s start with some basic truths as a little refresher (feel free to look up these scriptures on your own):

The WORD of God:

1. Inspired by God – 2 Timothy 3:16–17
2. Absolute Truth – John 17:17
3. Living & Active – Hebrews 4:12
4. Eternal & Unchanging – Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35
5. Light & Guidance – Psalm 119:105
6. Pure & Perfect – Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
7. Powerful to Save – Romans 1:16; James 1:21
8. Weapon Against the Enemy – Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 4:10
9. Life-Giving – Psalm 19:7–8

The ENEMY: Satan the Deceiver

1. The father of lies – John 8:44
2. Deceiver of the whole world – Revelation 12:9
3. Masquerades as an angel of light – 2 Corinthians 11:14
4. Uses signs, wonders, and lies to deceive – 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10
5. Deceived Eve from the beginning – Genesis 3:13

What Just Happened?

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative Christian voice, was assassinated while speaking publicly at a university event in Utah. His death has caused worldwide shock, grief, political outrage, and intense debate about political violence, free speech, and how we define the “other.”

Many people are discovering something even more unsettling: those closest to them—friends, family, even members of the same church—don’t see things the same way. This shock often comes from living in echo chambers, where we surround ourselves only with voices that reinforce what we already believe. Over time, we start to assume everyone shares our views—until tragedy reveals otherwise.

What This Teaches Us About Truth, Lies, & Relationships

1. Lies Spread Fast – In echo chambers, our preferred views get repeated so often they start to sound like truth. Add conspiracies, blame, and half-truths—especially on social media—and deception spreads quickly.
2. Emotions vs. Truth – Shock, anger, and grief are real—but when emotions override biblical standards, division only deepens. This is especially easy to slip into during times like this, when strong feelings/emotions are running high.
3. Unity Under Pressure – Tragedy tests what we believe. Do we cling to God’s truth—justice, mercy, love—even toward those we disagree with, or do we collapse into “my side vs. your side”? 
4. Wisdom & Discernment – Christians must filter everything through Scripture. Don’t rely on headlines or algorithms. Seek truth for yourself, align it with the Word, and reject manipulation. 

Guarding Relationships While Standing on God’s Word

1. Clarity: Truth is Non-Negotiable
   • Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
   • Our loyalty is to God’s Word. We don’t bend Scripture to keep peace.
2. Tone: Truth in Love
   • Ephesians 4:15 – “Speak the truth in love.”
   • Truth without love can feel harsh; love without truth is not love at all.
3. Respect: Value the Person, Even if They Reject Truth
   • Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
   • Disagree without dishonoring or demeaning. See each person as GOD sees them.  Share grace and be patient.  
4. Boundaries: Limit Fruitless Arguments
   • 2 Timothy 2:23–24 – “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments… The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone.”
   • When conversations only stir strife, step back. 
   • Ask yourself  “Is winning this argument worth losing the relationship?”
5. Prayer: Let God Work in Their Heart
   • 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers…”
   • We can’t argue people into truth. Let me say that again… YOU CANNOT ARGUE someone into the truth.  Pray more than you debate. Let the Holy Spirit remove deception, open hearts and eyes, and do the heavy lifting.  
   • This is the only way to spare strained relationships during times like these. 

Final Thought

The big picture is this: this is not left versus right, or opinion versus opinion. This is good versus evil.
Satan is the deceiver, but God’s Word is the truth that sets us free. Be on the right side—in all things. Let’s continue to love people and uphold the Word of God at all costs.  

Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk, and may God bless your family.