It is always sad when someone is killed. Not only did he or she lose their life and opportunities, but their families, colleagues, and friends will never be the same again. We watched or listened to many, many reactions that week – from his wife, his friends, people he worked with, and from so many of the young people whose lives he influenced for good.

And strangers. Thousands and thousands of people who had never even met him were still strongly affected by the news of his death. Most people were saddened. Shamefully, those who did not understand his message or know his God rejoiced. But some, even some I know to be Christians, responded with anger.

Of course, when tragedy strikes, outrage, fear, and sorrow are natural. We feel so hopeless, and our hearts cry for justice. These reactions are just human. Anger itself is not always wrong. Scripture tells us, Be angry, and do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). The emotion itself isn’t wrong – but what we do with it matters.

The Pull of Anger

In moments like these, anger can feel like the only “right” response. We want justice. We want answers. We want to fix the wrong. But if we are not careful, that anger can harden into bitterness or boil over into destructive words and actions.

James reminded us: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:19-20). Anger can pull us away from peace, away from love, and away from the witness Christ has called us to live out.

Called to Peace

We may feel we are at war and need to harden ourselves – either so we do not get hurt ourselves or so that we can hurt or damage others. While Scripture does talk about us fighting, it is against spiritual forces, not people. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to do, but Paul wrote, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), and Jesus Himself said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

Choosing peace does not mean we ignore injustice. And it does not mean we brush off pain. It does mean we anchor our hearts in Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace – and let His Spirit and His Word guide our response.

What Peaceable Action Can Look Like

• Prayer before protest – Bring your hurt and anger to God. Pray for Charlie’s family, for our nation, and even for those who commit violence.
• Service instead of shouting – Channel grief into action by helping neighbors, supporting church ministries, or helping an individual
• Gentle truth-telling – Speak with courage but season your words with grace
• Modeling calm at home – Our children and friends watch how we respond. When we choose peace instead of rage, we quietly teach them to trust God too.

Our Witness in a World on Edge

Our culture is drowning in outrage. Social media fuels it. Politics thrives on it. But when Christians choose peace over anger, we shine the light of Christ in a very dark place. Forgiveness, patience, and quiet strength speak louder than any outburst ever could.

This is the witness the world needs to see: people of faith who grieve deeply, long for justice but respond with grace and the calm strength that comes from Christ alone.

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