There are times in life when we hear news of the death of someone who has committed grievous acts—whether a corrupt ruler, a terrorist, or a dictator. When oppressors fall, how should Christians respond? Should we feel glad? Is it appropriate to express relief when an evil leader can no longer harm others, or does this tread dangerously close to rejoicing in death itself?
Throughout the Bible, we see a range of responses to the downfall of the wicked. In the Old Testament, there are moments when people rejoice at the defeat of evil. After the Red Sea swallowed Pharaoh’s army, Moses and the Israelites sang songs of praise to God for His deliverance (Exodus 15). Similar rejoicing occurs when oppressive kingdoms like Babylon fall (Isaiah 14). However, these celebrations focus on God’s justice and the relief brought to His people, not on the death of individuals for its own sake.
A New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the tone shifts. Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies and pray for those persecuting them (Matthew 5:44). His call to mercy, forgiveness, and redemption takes precedence over any desire for vengeance. When Jerusalem faced destruction for rejecting Him, Jesus wept over the city (Luke 19:41-44), showing sorrow even for those who refused to repent.
This New Testament perspective encourages Christians to focus on redemption rather than destruction. It reminds us that every human being, even the wicked, bears the image of God and possesses a soul capable of turning toward repentance. The Bible doesn’t call us to celebrate the death of anyone, even though we may feel relief when we stop oppressor.
The book of Revelation points to a future where all evil will be defeated, and God’s justice will be fully realized (Revelation 19). There is a longing for this day, and looking forward to the end of evil and oppression is right. Yet, the rejoicing in Revelation is about God’s final victory over sin, death, and the forces of evil, not glee over individual death.
How Should Christians Respond Today?
Given this biblical foundation, how should Christians respond when an oppressor dies? There are a few key principles that can guide us:
1. Relief in Justice
It’s natural and appropriate to feel a sense of relief when justice is served. When we stop an evil ruler, dictator, or terrorist, especially after they have harmed many people, we should acknowledge that justice has been served. This aligns with God’s desire for righteousness and protection of the innocent. Removing an oppressor is often a necessary act of justice that ends suffering and brings some measure of peace to those harmed.
2. Mourn the Loss of a Soul
However, as Christians, we must also recognize the tragedy that a soul has died without repentance. Even when someone has committed grievous evil, their death marks the end of any opportunity for redemption. Scripture tells us that God does not delight in the death of the wicked, but desires that they turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11). The death of an unrepentant person is ultimately a reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and the urgency of the gospel.
3. Pray for the Living
Our attention should also be on those who continue to suffer. The death of one oppressor doesn’t end all injustice, nor does it heal the wounds of those they have harmed. We should pray for the victims, their families, and communities, asking God to bring healing and restoration to those who are still dealing with the pain of oppression. Justice may bring closure, but it doesn’t undo the harm already done.
4. Avoid Celebrating Death
Celebrating the death of an individual, even an evil one, can easily slip into glee that is not reflective of the gospel. While relief and gratitude for justice are appropriate, we should guard our hearts against rejoicing in death itself. Doing so risks dehumanizing even the wicked, forgetting that they, too, were created in the image of God, no matter how far they have fallen.
5. Be Wise in Public Expression
Finally, it’s important to consider how we express these feelings publicly. While we should not be overly concerned with how the world perceives us, we are still called to be wise and discerning in communicating our beliefs (Colossians 4:5-6). Publicly expressing gratitude for justice served is valid, but we should temper it with compassion and an understanding of the weight of death. If not, we risk sending the wrong message—that Christians value revenge or violence, rather than mercy and redemption.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to hold a delicate balance between justice and mercy. When an oppressor dies, it is right to feel relief that they can no longer harm others. But, even in death, we are dealing with a human soul—a soul that, despite its evil choices, was made in the image of God. We can and should rejoice in the end of oppression, but remember that death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for redemption through Christ.
Let us hold fast to the truth that God’s justice will prevail and that He will wipe away every tear. Until then, we walk the narrow road, seeking both justice and mercy in all things.