Forgiveness vs. Spite: Christians Have to Choose Erika Kirk’s Forgiveness vs. Trump’s Spite When a Widow Forgives and a President Hates Choose Jesus, Not Spite Discipleship or Trumpism?

Forgiveness vs. Spite: Christians Have to Choose

From the heart

Today I’m struggling with a huge contradiction. I have friends and family who support Donald Trump. I even voted for him the first time—not because I was a big fan, but because I didn’t like Hillary. But that’s not the point here. What hit me like a brick was watching Erika Kirk—newly widowed—stand at her husband’s memorial and say she forgives the man accused of killing him. I admire her for that. Honestly, I don’t know if I could do it.

Politics are a non-issue when you’re staring at a 31-year-old husband, father, and son gone in an instant. My own losses this past year were natural causes; this was a public shooting. I can’t fathom that pain. My heart is with Erika, her kids, and the whole family. And to be clear: forgiveness is not the same thing as excusing evil or abandoning justice. It’s obedience to Jesus in the hardest possible moment.

What happened

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Erika Kirk said out loud what the gospel demands: forgive the man accused of murdering her husband (ABC News live blog; People; Fox). Minutes later, Donald Trump told the same crowd he “hates” his opponents and doesn’t want the best for them (ABC News; The Guardian; People).

Christ and hate don’t mix

If you claim Christ, you don’t get to baptize contempt. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) From the cross: “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34) Paul wrote, “Bless those who persecute you… Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” (Romans 12:14–21) Peter added, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.” (1 Peter 3:9) That’s the Christian script. “I hate my opponents” isn’t it.

Presidents are supposed to unite

We’re a democracy. Argue policy hard—within the checks and balances. But a president is supposed to represent everyone, Christians and non-Christians alike, and cool the temperature, not torch the room. If you like certain policies, fine. What I’m saying is this: the posture of public hate is spiritually corrosive and nationally destructive.

The choice

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for Christians who love Trump: do you follow Donald Trump, or do you follow Jesus Christ? If you follow Jesus, you don’t cheer hatred. You don’t threaten judges, fantasize about “taking care of” enemies, or frame political opponents as people to despise. You pray for them. You bless them. You fight for your convictions without poisoning your heart.

This isn’t left vs. right. It’s discipleship vs. spite. Erika modeled the way of Jesus in the worst moment of her life. Trump modeled the opposite. Christians have to choose.

Sources (for readers who want receipts)

Vicki Andrada's avatar

By Vicki Andrada

A Little About Me I was born on February 25, 1972, in Flint, Michigan, at McLaren Hospital. I lived in Michigan until I was almost 40, then moved to Tampa, Florida, where I stayed for seven years. After that, I relocated to Arizona, living with friends in Glendale and then in Phoenix for about eight months. I spent two years total in Arizona before returning to Florida for a little over a year. Eventually, I moved back to Michigan and stayed with my parents for six months. In May of 2022, I moved to Traverse City, Michigan, where I’ve been ever since—and I absolutely love it. I never expected to return to Michigan, but I’m so glad I did. I was born blind and see only light and shadows. My fiancé, Josh, is also blind. We both use guide dogs to navigate independently and safely. My current Leader Dog is Vicki Jo , a four-year-old Golden Retriever/Black Lab mix. She’s my fourth guide dog—my first two were Yellow Labs, and my last two have been Golden/Lab crosses. Josh’s guide dog, Lou, came from the same organization where I got my previous dog—now known as Guide Dogs Inc., formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs. Josh and I live together here in Traverse City, and we both sing in the choir at Mission Hill Church , which was previously known as First Congregational Church. A lot of people still know it by that name. We both really enjoy being part of the choir—it’s something that brings us a lot of joy. I also love to read, write, and listen to music—especially 60s, 70s, and 80s music. Josh and I enjoy listening to music together and watching movies, especially when descriptive video is available. We also like working out at the YMCA a couple of times a week, which has been great for both our physical and mental health. I’m a big fan of Major League Baseball. My favorite team is the Detroit Tigers, followed by the Tampa Bay Rays and the Colorado Rockies. In the NFL, I cheer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and San Francisco 49ers—and I still have a soft spot for the Detroit Lions, especially now that they’ve started turning things around. I’m passionate about politics and history. I consider myself a progressive thinker, though I also try to take a balanced, middle-of-the-road approach. I’m a follower of Jesus Christ and a strong believer in respecting people of all faiths. I love learning about different religions, cultures, and belief systems. Writing is one of my biggest passions. I haven’t published anything yet, but I’ve written several books that are still in progress. Writing helps me express myself, explore new ideas, and connect with others through storytelling. Thanks for stopping by and getting to know a little about me.

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