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After reading the recent letter to the editor calling for "deescalation," I began to reflect on what that really means. If deescalation simply means Republicans and Democrats tolerate each other until the next conflict arises, that is not healing. That is only waiting for the next spark.
On Sunday, as I watched Charlie Kirk's celebration of life service, my heart was stirred. I realized that the problems in America today are not primarily political. They are not about flesh and blood. They are spiritual.
The answer to our division is not deescalation. The answer is Jesus.
We need Jesus back in our classrooms. We need Jesus back in our government. We need Jesus back in our workplaces, in our marriages, and most of all, in the center of our lives.
Scripture gives us this promise:
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14
I know I need Jesus every morning. I fall short daily, but when I turn to Him, my Savior forgives me and strengthens me.
The letter writer was right to point out fear. Fear is real. But my confidence comes from the One who has overcome fear.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7
I also agree that Charlie Kirk should not be compared to Martin Luther King Jr. or John F. Kennedy. They were civil rights leaders who brought meaningful change to America. Charlie's mission was different. His greatest desire was that people would know Jesus. Just weeks before his death, Charlie said: "If I could be known for one thing, I want to be known for the courage of my faith."
Charlie was a Stephen. In the book of Acts, Stephen was the first martyr after the resurrection of Jesus. As he was being stoned for preaching salvation, Stephen cried out: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. … Lord, do not hold this sin against them." — Acts 7:59–60
At the service, Charlie's wife, Erika, spoke with a grace that stunned many. She said: "My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life. That man, that young man … I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do."
Those words carried the weight of the gospel itself: forgiveness for the undeserving, grace where none is earned, and hope that even his assassin might one day find Christ.
We are all sinners, saved only by grace. Jesus is the King of glory, the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the world. He is the living God, the God of mercy and truth. And today He is calling His children back to Him.
The Bible makes it clear: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 6:23
And Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." — John 14:6
Charlie understood this. He entrusted his life to the Savior of the world. Jesus came to earth, tempted as we are yet without sin. He was crucified, and His blood was shed for the remission of sins. This is the gospel Charlie lived and proclaimed.
Others testified to that legacy.
Frank Turek said: "Charlie's purpose was to make Jesus known. He wanted heaven crowded."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "He made a difference. He mattered, and he will matter now more than he ever has before."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared: "We always did need less government. But what Charlie understood and infused into his movement is, we also needed a lot more God."
At the service, it wasn't just friends and family who pointed to Christ. The president of the United States and members of his cabinet spoke openly about Jesus. Think about that. The leaders of our nation publicly declaring that Jesus Christ is the answer. That is where true leadership begins — not in empty slogans but in pointing people back to the cross.
Deescalation might cool tempers for a moment, but it cannot heal our land. Tolerance is not enough. What we need is transformation.
The mission, Charlie's mission, and what should be ours, is to lead people to Jesus. Not just to put up with one another, but to come to the cross.
So let us not stop short at deescalation. Let us come to the cross and find Jesus as our Savior.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." — Revelation 3:20
At the cross, anger is replaced with forgiveness. Despair is replaced with hope. Death is replaced with life. This is where hearts are transformed.
The hope for our nation will not be found in politics or in simply agreeing to disagree. The hope is found in Jesus Christ.
And let us remember this truth: "When a tyrant dies, so does his reign. When a martyr dies, his reign begins." — Søren Kierkegaard
If you are wondering what to do next, I encourage you to find a local church. Step into community. Let your faith be encouraged and strengthened. Surround yourself with people who will walk with you, pray with you, and point you to Jesus. Faith is not meant to be lived alone. It is meant to be lived together, with hearts transformed by Christ.
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Sean Swope is a Republican Lewis County commissioner representing District 1.
