Responding to the World's Graphic Violence

News of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska bleeding to death after being randomly stabbed went viral in September 2025. Days later, political organizer Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Video and images of his murder swept across world just minutes after it happened.

It's already difficult to process these terrifying events. It's worse knowing they are just two examples of many evil incidents happening around the world. The time we live in is unique in the way that disturbing images have found their way to everyone—even people who aren't looking for them.

Further, social media has exploded with examples of people actually celebrating death. This overdose of carnage and hate has led to anxieties and even a sort of second-hand post-traumatic stress. Young generations today live in a world where it's not only easy to know that evil is happening—it's almost impossible to avoid it. How do we live in a world where evil is everywhere and right in our faces at the same time?

Being Sensitive to Violence is Normal

It's normal to be disturbed by these incidents. In fact, to be desensitized to violence is to lose empathy for all of those affected. We're all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That gives us a built-in sense of right and wrong. God reinforces morality in the natural world (Romans 1:18). In that way, we should be upset in the face of death and cruelty (Psalm 11:5).

If you can't get these awful events and images out of your mind, you're not alone, and you're not flawed, "weak," or doing something wrong.

Sometimes, these acts of violence feel too personal, too close to home. It's scary to think that Iryna was killed for no reason at all. We may worry if that could happen to us. Charlie talked politely about his views and took young people seriously. Millions of people, including kids and teens, saw his content on a regular basis. He was bold in expressing his Christian faith. But he was gunned down—only to see many people downplaying or cheering that it happened.

That tempts us to wonder: Do others around me feel that way about me? Is it safe for me to stand up for what I believe? Is the world that hostile to anyone who says they're Christian? Will I be persecuted for my faith too? These are all normal concerns.

God is Not Surprised

Remember that none of this takes God by surprise. But we get that just knowing that doesn't always make us feel better. Some Bible writers passionately asked God to explain why He allowed such things to happen (Psalm 94:3-7; Habakkuk 1:2-4; Jeremiah 12:1). Yet, the same God who controls all things is the God who offers eternal salvation and rescue (John 3:16-18).

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." —Revelation 21:4

We aren't wandering the world alone, hopeless against evil and darkness (Psalm 34:15). Every sin will be dealt with (Revelation 20:11-15) and every wrong will be made right (Revelation 21:1-4). What's awful and terrifying today will eventually be forgotten in eternity—and even in our future on earth, as we process things in a healthy way and time moves on.

Feel the Feelings

Be honest about what you're feeling and what you need. It's OK to feel the feelings so you can process those emotions. This honest processing starts with talking to God about our fears and anxieties (1 Peter 5:7). It also means leaning on fellow Christians and mentors to work through these experiences (Proverbs 17:18; Galatians 6:2).

If your response seems severe or debilitating, if it gets in the way of daily existence, it's probably a good idea to talk to a doctor. God isn't going to condemn us for feeling afraid, angry, or both. He knows what it means to be human (Hebrews 4:15-16). What He really wants is for us to be open and humble towards Him, so that He can work in us and through us (James 4:6; Mark 9:24).

Feeling disturbed by videos or images of violent events is something worth bringing to God, friends, parents, and maybe even a medical professional. Watching a video is not the same as literally being at the event. Yet footage of these murders can trigger feelings of shock and even fear that make us feel like we were there.

Protect Your Heart & Mind

"God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." —2 Timothy 1:7

Think carefully—and pray diligently (James 1:5)—before seeking out any pieces of media that depict violence. You may even want to take steps to avoid seeing them (if possible) for your own mental health. Don't torture yourself with images you might regret seeing later. Visual media is nearly impossible to "erase" once it's in the mind. The same goes for social media: it's OK to walk away or take an extended break. Don't get sucked into the doomscrolling drama of people spewing hatred or bickering from behind their screens.

God knows much better than we do how wicked and evil this world can be. He's not pretending it's all fun and games (John 16:33). But we don't need to allow anxiety, anger, fear, or sorrow to rule our lives (2 Timothy 1:7). God gets how brutal it is for us to have the world's evil shoved in our faces, every day, all day, nonstop. He'll provide us what we truly need (Matthew 6:25, 34).

Our best response to the world's violence is to seek Him (Psalm 34:18), trust Him (Psalm 46:1-3; Philippians 4:6), and learn more about what we can do to be lights in such a very, very dark place (Matthew 5:13; Romans 5:3-5).

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." —Matthew 6:34

ALSO SEE:

• Why We Should Remember
• Should Christians use social media?
• What does the Bible say about hate?
• What does the Bible say about Christian persecution?
• What does it mean to not be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16)?
• Why does God allow the innocent to suffer?
• What does it mean that God is sovereign?
• How can I find joy during hard times?
• Is it true that everything happens for a reason?
• How do I stand up for myself in a godly way?
• What does the Bible say about bravery?
• How can I overcome the fear of death?
• Should a Christian see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor?
• What does the Bible say about recovering from PTSD?
• How can I stop blaming others?