Does the Lord understand our cowardice over Charlie Kirk?

on Dec 2, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I’ve examined my cowardice and wish I could have the boldness he demonstrated. I remained silent when my supervisor asked me about my faith. I thought she was testing me to see if I would “evangelize” on company time, so I told her I wasn’t comfortable talking about my religion. She may never feel at ease to ask me again. I wonder if the Lord understands when we fail Him like this. – G.R.

A: The chairman of the history department of one of the great universities once stated, “We have become a nation of cowards.” He argued that many people are reluctant to follow a course if it isn’t popular. This is often true.

Even if deep inside we know something to be right, we often draw back because we are afraid of the consequences. If the odds are in our favor, we will take a stand; but if there is any risk involved in standing up for what we know to be right, we will play it safe and remain silent. The Lord knows the motive of the heart, and when we fail, we should repent and ask Him to strengthen us and give us wisdom.

The Apostle Peter acted with cowardice and denied Jesus the night He was betrayed in Gethsemane. Peter’s heart was anguished and broken. He repented and, with God’s help, he turned around and boldly proclaimed Christ until the day of his own death.

In one bold stroke, God’s forgiveness obliterates the past and permits us to enter the land of new beginnings. We may never face the same opportunities, but we must not take the road of fear. The Apostle Paul knew the key: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)