Not a Spirit of Fear: Responding to Tragedy with Power, Love, and a Sound Mind
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV):
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
When tragedy strikes, our hearts can’t help but respond. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left many of us shaken, and the emotions that rise up in moments like this can feel overwhelming. We wonder what’s happening in our nation, what it means for our future, and how to even begin processing it all.
Charlie Kirk died doing what followers of Christ are called to do — proclaiming the gospel, loving others, and entering into civil discourse. He believed in open public debate to challenge ideas, sharpen convictions, and call people to truth. Whether you agreed with his premises or his conclusions, he debated in the right way — with courage, with clarity, and with a willingness to engage rather than retreat. That example is not erased by his death. It’s a legacy and a calling we share as believers.
A Father’s Fear
Even before this, another heartbreaking headline weighed heavily on me: a 23-year-old woman murdered on a train. My daughter is that same age, away at graduate school. As I sat and saw the first news report, my mind immediately pictured her in that seat. I was flooded with fear, terror, and a profound sadness for her mother and father. I can hardly begin to comprehend what it would be like to lose someone you love so suddenly and so needlessly. In an instant, lives are forever changed — and for what?
For days I wrestled with my thoughts, trying to make sense of the tragedy and the state of our country. Add to this the continued reports of school shootings and political violence, and it would be easy to feel overwhelmed and shrink back in fear.
Different First Reactions
Right after the news of Charlie’s death broke, I was meeting with someone who had just gotten off the phone with a friend. That meant there were three of us in that small circle — myself, the person I was meeting with, and the one on the other end of their call. What struck me was how different our first responses were: one anger, one fear, one sadness.
In such a small group, three different emotions surfaced immediately. It reminded me how powerful our thoughts are in shaping our feelings. The way we interpret an event — whether we dwell on injustice, on vulnerability, or on loss — becomes the lens that fuels our emotions. And we have to be so careful here: if we let our thoughts spiral unchecked, they can begin fueling bitterness, resentment, hatred, and even rage.
Paul warned us about this in Ephesians:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32)
The challenge is real — to resist letting our first emotions harden into destructive patterns and instead, by God’s grace, to turn toward kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
Renewed Minds in Christ
This is why Scripture calls us to mind renewal. Paul writes:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Our first emotions are real and valid, but they don’t have to have the last word. When we invite God to renew our thoughts, He gives us a different spirit — not fear, but power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Power: Strength to endure and to keep standing for truth even when the world shakes.
Love: A love that doesn’t give way to bitterness or vengeance, but seeks the good of others.
Sound Mind: Clarity in chaos, the ability to take our thoughts captive and align them with God’s truth.
Putting It Into Practice
Notice your first response. Was it fear, anger, grief, or something else? Name it before God.
Ask Him to renew your mind. Don’t let your thoughts run unchecked — bring them under Christ’s authority.
Lean on His Spirit. Let His power, His love, and His wisdom shape your next steps, conversations, and prayers.
Carry the call forward. Like Charlie, proclaim Christ, love others, and engage boldly yet graciously in the public square.
Prayer
Father, in our grief and confusion we come to You.
We bring our raw emotions — our anger, our fear, our sadness. Meet us in them, and reshape our thoughts.
Guard our hearts so they do not harden into bitterness, resentment, or rage.
Renew our minds so that we are not conformed to fear or malice, but transformed by Your Spirit.
Give us courage when we feel weak, love when hate is tempting, and a sound mind when everything feels chaotic.
Help us carry forward the calling to proclaim the gospel, love people, and engage boldly yet graciously in the public square.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions
When you first hear tragic news, what emotions usually rise up in you first? What thoughts fuel those emotions?
How does Romans 12:2’s call to “renew your mind” speak into the way you process fear, anger, or grief?
In light of Ephesians 4:31–32, what would it look like for you to “get rid of” bitterness or anger and replace it with kindness and compassion?
In light of 2 Timothy 1:7, how might God be inviting you to lean into power, love, and a sound mind in this season?
What practices (prayer, Scripture, community, journaling) help you shift your thoughts away from fear and toward God’s truth?
How can you, like Charlie, participate in civil discourse and gospel witness with courage and grace, even in a fearful world?
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Cover image by Nikko Macaspac via subsplash