The Weight of Freedom and Responsibility in Speech

In recent days, I’ve heard of many people losing their jobs because they posted to social media celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death. On one hand, there are those saying these individuals deserve to be fired because it is sick to rejoice in someone’s murder. After all, Charlie Kirk strongly advocated for freedom of speech and tragically lost his life because of his beliefs. On the other hand, others argue that firing someone over their comments is wrong because it violates their “freedom of speech.” This debate is raising an important but often misunderstood question: where does free speech end and accountability begin?

At first glance, the argument for protecting freedom of speech makes sense. In the United States, every citizen is entitled to speak freely without fear of government punishment. By all means, people are allowed to voice their opinions, even when those opinions are unpopular or offensive. However, we must also recognize that freedom of speech is not unlimited. Just as one cannot legally yell “fire” in a crowded theater or “bomb” in an airport without consequences, our words carry weight and can lead to outcomes beyond our control.

It’s essential to understand that businesses also have rights. When an employee publicly celebrates someone’s death, a company must consider whether that aligns with its values and reputation. Most businesses hold themselves to certain standards of professionalism and respect. Publicly rejoicing in the loss of a life can be deeply offensive to customers, clients, or colleagues. If a business ignores this behavior, it risks protests, boycotts, and long-term damage to its reputation.

This is why when companies choose to terminate someone for such conduct, they are not infringing upon that person’s constitutional freedom of speech. They are instead protecting their own future and upholding the values they claim to represent. The person fired is still free to continue speaking their mind, just not while carrying the banner of that company. The distinction is crucial: losing a job for violating workplace standards is not the same as losing your constitutional rights.

If, however, someone were arrested for their social media post by the government, that would be a true violation of the First Amendment. Unfortunately, this sort of government overreach is happening in other places, such as England, where conservatives have been jailed for expressing their values online. That is a clear suppression of speech, far different than a private employer enforcing workplace standards.

Beyond the legal and professional aspects, there’s a deeper issue at play: the value of human life. Regardless of where one falls politically, celebrating anyone’s death shows a disregard for the dignity we all share as human beings. To put it into perspective, imagine losing your spouse and then hearing someone say, “He was terrible, I’m glad he’s gone. You’re better off without him.” Those words would pierce your heart and stir deep pain and anger.

Charlie Kirk may have been a national figure, but that does not make his life—or his family’s grief—less worthy of respect. In fact, because of his visibility, his family must grieve in the public eye, making them even more vulnerable to the cruelty of callous words. As Christians, or simply as fellow human beings, we should extend empathy rather than mockery in times of loss.

Personally, I try not to take sides politically. Whether conservative or liberal, I prefer to live with a “live and let live” mentality. But my Christian faith compels me to love others, even when I disagree with them. Jesus Himself called us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. That command doesn’t make exceptions when it feels uncomfortable—it applies even when someone we disagree with has passed away.

To celebrate death is to celebrate the ending of a story written by God Himself. No matter what you thought of Charlie Kirk or his politics, his life had value. His family’s loss is real. To show compassion in such moments is not weakness—it is humanity, and for believers, it is obedience to God’s call to love.

So, while people may argue about jobs, freedom of speech, and the Constitution, I believe there’s a more pressing question: how do we, as individuals, choose to respond when someone dies? Do we let bitterness consume us, or do we choose to reflect God’s love, grace, and mercy? For me, the answer is clear. Celebrating a death is terrible. Loving others, even those we disagree with, is the higher road we are called to walk.

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
In a world filled with division, anger, and bitterness, help us remember that every life is precious in Your sight. Teach us to guard our words, to speak with love, and to resist the temptation to celebrate pain or loss. Remind us that even when we disagree with others, they are still Your children, created in Your image. Lord, give comfort to the family of Charlie Kirk and to all families grieving a loss today. Help us to walk in compassion, showing Your light in a dark world. May our words build up instead of tear down, and may our hearts reflect the love of Christ in all we say and do.
Amen.