Epicaricacy is a word I've written about before (here), but it's a good time to talk about it again.
It's a rare English noun derived from Ancient Greek, and it means to feel joy or pleasure in the misfortune or suffering of others.
In recent days, we've seen lots of epicaricacy from ungodly people who rejoiced and joked about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We might feel like returning their cruelty, but we are called to higher ground by our Lord who said:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48*
We
can acknowledge that Kirk’s killer is evil and those who rejoiced in
Kirk’s death acted shamefully, but let's not repay evil with evil (1 Peter 3:9). Let's express our concerns graciously (Colossians 4:6).
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Please read the verses below that give further insights into this subject.
* Note:
loving our enemy doesn't mean approving of them or keeping silent about
their sins. It means treating our enemies humanely, not rejoicing in
their sorrows, and helping them with basic needs when they are in
genuine need and it is in our power to help them.
Regarding Charlie Kirk:
While I have not been a close follower of Kirk, I have heard many of
his videos that were very Christ-centered (Example). And I've seen a number of his quotes taken out of context by his critics, to unfairly misrepresent what he actually said.
Was Kirk Racist?
Because I know many believe he was racist due to remarks taken out of context, let me offer these statements made by black men who knew him personally:
Rob Smith (I don't agree with the cuss word used in this one.)
Proverbs 24:17-18:
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your
heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath
away from them.
Romans 12:19-21:
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath,
for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.
On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty,
give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals
on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Image of Charlie Kirk By Gage Skidmore
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