We will never win spiritual battles by fighting on the enemy’s terms. This happens when we cannot rise above the noise—the details, emotions, opinions, and reactions of others—and elevate the conversation. These are weeds from which we must escape.

LAST WEEK'S EVENT WAS HORRFIC—it stirred deep emotions and strong reactions that are still unfolding. Christians have chosen sides, each believing their stance is completely justified. Many have doubled down, sharing narratives, video clips, and soundbites supporting their perspective.

One person accuses him of being racist; another responds with a clip proving he’s not. One questions his faith; someone else counters with a clip of his public declaration of faith. This is what it looks like to fight a spiritual, emotionally charged battle from the weeds—reactive, defensive, and distracted from the bigger picture.

HERE’S THE REALITY—

Most people criticizing Charlie Kirk don’t know him personally, nor do most defending him. Only God truly knows Kirk’s heart and what drove him. Let’s face it: Many of us have been mistaken before, assuming someone is one way only for time to reveal something completely different. This is not a statement for or against Kirk.

THE POINT IS THIS: MOST SPEAKING ABOUT CHARLIE KIRK DO NOT KNOW HIM PERSONALLY, OR THE FULL BODY OF HIS WORK. Can we at least admit this?

We live in a world intentionally overrun with weeds—details, viral graphic images, emotionally inflamed arguments, and surface-level conclusions that many forcefully declare to be ‘the truth.’ Christians, including Christian leaders, are not exempt from being overwhelmed by emotion. In fact, THE BATTLE FOR OUR EMOTIONS HAS REPLACED THE BATTLE FOR OUR MINDS. Whatever we pay attention to wins our emotions, and reason goes out the window.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE—

Like many, I have my own opinions—and even more questions—about what unfolded last week. Just yesterday, a family member and I disagreed. The conversation became emotionally intense, and we both dug in our heels in the ground. It is easy to do! We are emotional beings. Thankfully, we ended on a respectful note and agreed to disagree.

I’m neither immune to our emotionally charged climate, nor are most of you.

So, when the next big event inevitably happens, triggering big emotions, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. REMEMBER, GOD'S KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD. Jesus would have called His disciples to fight with physical force if it were. Instead, He warned that the enemy will eventually overtake those dependent on worldly weapons, including intellect, reason, and emotion. (John 18:36; Matthew 26:52)

2. FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE IN EMOTIONAL UPHEAVAL. When John the Baptist—His close relative—was beheaded, Jesus withdrew to be alone. He stepped away from the noise and emotion, choosing rest and renewal. He encouraged His disciples to do the same. (Matthew 14:13-14, Mk. 6:29-30)

3. CULTIVATE SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
Instead of reacting withfleshly responses, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)

4. RESIST HUMAN TENDENCY TO TAKE SIDES
Seek the truth that applies to everyone, all the time, and in every situation, regardless of biology, sex, race, education, money, political parties, religious affiliation, and church denomination. (Jn. 8:32)

5. PRAY FOR THOSE YOU PERCEIVE AS ENEMIES. (Mat. 5:44)

2 Cor 10:3-5; Rom 12:2; John 21; Matt 26:1-56, 14:1-14; Mark 14:1-52; Luke 22:1-65; John 18:1-14; John 18:10; Luke 22:51; Mark 6:14-29; John 18:36; Luke 27:21