Walking the Middle Path in the Shadow of Judgment

When Charlie Kirk was assassinated, the headlines weren’t the only things sharp. The judgments started flying just as fast. Some hailed him as a martyr, others damned him as a radical. My best friend called him wicked for being too radical. I couldn’t help but laugh and say, “That’s a pretty radical thing to say.”

That’s the way judgment works. It mirrors itself. One man’s “evil” is another man’s “courage.” One person’s “radical” is another’s “steadfast.” But when we get caught in the swing of judgment, we lose balance.

The Middle Path isn’t about pretending wrong isn’t wrong, or shrugging off truth like it doesn’t matter. It’s about refusing to answer hate with hate. It’s about standing where Creator stands—holding justice in one hand and mercy in the other.

Scripture says: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). That’s the Middle Path. That’s where we’re called to walk.

So instead of asking, “Was Charlie radical, or was he righteous?” maybe the better question is: Where is my own heart leaning? Have I toppled into bitterness disguised as righteousness? Or am I willing to steady myself in compassion, truth, and humility—even when the crowd around me is shouting?

The Middle Path doesn’t make headlines. It doesn’t stir the mob. But it’s the way of those who belong to the Light.