Forgiveness. It is perhaps the most difficult thing in the human experience, to forgive one another. Most certainly, this topic falls under the – “easier said than done” category. Many of us know it is the right thing to do, but find it extremely difficult to execute. And let’s face it. In the grand scheme of life, many wrongs levied against us or our neighbors are trivial in nature. As our creator, God knows human nature because he created it into being. He intentionally did not create perfect humans. Even still, he calls us to perfection. Not semi-perfect, half good, or partially holy. No, the call is for perfection and it is precisely displayed in Jesus’ command:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14)
Recently, Erika Kirk gave a stunning example of this narrow gate. Only days after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, she stood before the world and spoke of forgiveness. Her words were marked by wisdom, courage, and mercy—an act of spiritual maturity that left many wondering: how many hearts were moved to forgive because of her message?
This is the power of Christian witness!
Let there be no question then – this example, this act, is exactly how the Christian message spread during the persecutions of the early Church. “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
In 203 A.D., during the persecutions under Emperor Septimius Severus, two young women—Perpetua, a noblewoman, and Felicity, her servant who was pregnant at the time—were arrested in North Africa for their Christian faith. Though urged to renounce Christ, Perpetua firmly declared, “I am a Christian. I cannot be called anything else.” Felicity, who gave birth in prison, bravely accepted martyrdom, saying the same God who gave her strength in childbirth would give her strength in suffering.
Led into the arena at Carthage, they faced wild beasts and death with remarkable serenity, encouraging one another until the end. Their story, preserved in The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, became one of the most inspiring accounts of the early Church. Their joyful courage proved that faith in Christ is stronger than fear, and their witness drew others to the Gospel, fulfilling Tertullian’s words: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
Fast forward 1800 years, the song remains the same. The world will say, seek revenge, become bitter, find a scapegoat! But the Christian message is different. Have mercy, carry your cross, redemptive suffering, forgiveness! And paradoxically, when the world seeks to extinguish the light, it only propels it to become stronger and brighter. The Truth always prevails when people of goodwill stand up and speak out.
Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness is nothing less than a “narrow gate” move. Forgiving your spouse’s killer within days of the crime? That’s grace at work. That’s sainthood on display. And narrow gate acts like this inspire others to follow Christ, because they radiate His truth and His light.
Jesus’ words on forgiveness leave no room for doubt:
- “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
- “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
- “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
- “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38–39)
- “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
The list goes on…
Each of us is called to forgiveness. Each of us is invited to enter the narrow gate. The gate is open to all, but the path is hard—it requires good people doing hard things. Yet we have seen what it looks like, a light set on a lampstand. Now it’s our turn to go and do the same.
