Recently, our conservative youth community was shocked by the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. While people across the country mourned, what surprised me most wasn’t the tragedy itself, but how some people reacted. Instead of showing empathy or acknowledging the loss of a young conservative voice, the left mocked, criticized, or even celebrated. They called it “ironic” that someone they disagreed with had died. This is not what God wants. He wants us to love all people, no matter their beliefs, and show compassion for every life lost.
As a conservative high school student, I’ve noticed how divided our culture has become. At school, students treat you differently depending on your political beliefs. If you speak as a conservative, you are often ignored, ridiculed, or treated with hostility. But if you support the left, you are treated much better. This kind of selective treatment is toxic and must come to an end. 
What I see at school is just a smaller version of what’s happening in the real world, some people decide who deserves compassion based on politics, not principle. Some people are quick to talk about tragedies in other countries, like Gaza, but ignore the deaths at home. For example, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was recently killed on a train in the U.S., but received very little attention. At the same time, thousands of Christians in Nigeria are being murdered for their faith.
The attacks on Christians in Nigeria are horrifying. Extremist groups like Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and ISWAP have destroyed nearly 18,000 to 20,000 churches since 2009, with about 100 churches attacked every month, and over 52,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria. Many followers of Jesus Christ have also been killed in shootings, like the attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where at least 41 people were killed and over 70 were wounded during a Sunday service. These are real people suffering real pain, yet their stories are often overlooked. Every life matters, and while we should care about people abroad, it’s troubling when American lives and persecuted Christians around the world are forgotten. Where is the empathy for them?
This is not just a political issue; it’s a moral and spiritual one. God never intended for us to live in hate, division, or sin. He calls us to love our neighbors, and even our enemies. Celebrating someone’s death because you disagree with their beliefs or ignoring people suffering for their faith goes against Christianity. Every life has value in God’s eyes.
It’s time for all of us, especially young people, to stop pointing fingers. The left often blames conservatives, and the right blames the left. But blaming others never solves anything. Real change occurs when we examine ourselves, acknowledge our mistakes, and treat everyone with dignity and compassion. We must model empathy, not selective outrage.
