Those words are often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, although he probably didn’t use those exact words. They have been an inspiration to me.

I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Charlie or Erika Kirk before he was assassinated. But I am inspired by the words of Erika Kirk spoken at her husband’s memorial service:

“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life. That young man. That young man on the cross, our Savior said, "Father, forgive them for they not know what they do." That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him, because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love, and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

If only more of us, regardless of our faith (or lack thereof) would embrace those words.

There is a great opportunity for us and our leaders, including our elected officials, especially Trump, who said this at the same memorial:

“[Charlie] did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent, and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry, Erika. But now Erika can talk to me and the whole group, and maybe they can convince me that that's not right, but I can't stand my opponent.”

I would much rather be like Erika.