The Sports Reverends Blog

Real Talk: Choosing Love in a Divided World

The past week has been heavy. In the NFL’s second week, tributes poured out for the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. Some teams didn’t acknowledge it, sparking even more debate online.

But here’s the thing — beyond politics, beyond arguments — a husband, a father, a man of faith lost his life. And no matter where you stand, celebrating death should never be the response.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to a higher standard:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength … and love your neighbor as yourself.”

That’s not just a nice verse to memorize. It’s a radical way of living in a world filled with division and hatred.

Looking Beyond the Divide

Our culture loves broad strokes — labeling groups, making assumptions, and generalizing whole communities. But Jesus calls us to see people as individuals.

Every challenge I’ve faced — every hardship, every valley — I’ve only made it through by putting my faith in Christ. He’s pulled me out of the mud time and time again. That’s why I appeal not to groups, but to you as an individual:

Set aside your divide. Set aside your pain. Bring it to God.

Whether it’s depression, anxiety, financial struggles, or heartbreak — hand it over to Him. Ask Him to show you He’s real. I’ve seen it in my own life: God takes the emptiness we try to fill with money, success, or pleasure and replaces it with peace, joy, and purpose that nothing else can give.

Responding with Love

This isn’t about winning debates or proving someone wrong. It’s about showing up — in tragedy and in celebration — with the love of Christ.

That’s what chaplains like Ted Leck model so well. They don’t show up to argue. They show up to listen, to serve, to love. And that consistency makes people notice the difference Christ makes.

So here’s my challenge:

• If you’re searching — take a step of faith. Ask God to meet you in your pain.

• If you’re a Christ follower — keep showing up. In disagreements, in brokenness, in everyday life — let people see Jesus through your love.

No Turning Back

Evil is loud, but love is stronger. The world doesn’t need more anger or division. It needs people willing to love God and love others, no matter what.

That’s what changes lives. That’s what changes the world.