• The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting death has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
• During a Friday news conference, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said Robinson indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting.
• President Donald Trump initially made the announcement about Robinson being in custody during an interview on FOX & Friends.

Charlie Kirk’s killer was arrested overnight in Utah, officials announced Friday morning. Tyler Robinson, 22, is in custody with the help of a family member and will face charges for murdering the conservative political activist earlier this week.

WE AS CHRISTIANS & AMERICANS SHALL FEAR NO MAN, JUSTICE WILL COME ONE WAY OR ANOTHER FROM GOD’S SOVEREIGN HANDS

Here are the latest updates for Friday, Sept. 12, 2025:

Robinson was engineering major, university says

12 p.m. ET: Utah State University announced Friday that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect arrested in the killing of Charlie Kirk, “briefly attended” classes there for one semester in 2021.

Robinson was a pre-engineering major and took classes consistent with that major for his one semester, Fox News Digital learned.

New details emerge about Tyler Robinson

11:30 a.m. ET: The Associated Press reported that Tyler James Robinson was admitted to Utah State University on an academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted to a family member’s social media account. A university spokesperson told the AP he attended the school for only one semester in 2021.

Utah state records state Robinson was registered as a voter but not affiliated with either political party.

Mug shot of Tyler Robinson released

10:55 a.m. ET: Officials released a mugshot of Tyler Robinson, the shooting suspect in Charlie Kirk’s death.

Utah governor says Kirk assassination suspect is believed to have acted alone

10:45 a.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox says shooting suspect Tyler Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the Charlie Kirk investigation is ongoing despite Robinson’s arrest.

FBI Director Kash Patel shares timeline of investigation

10:30 a.m. ET: The first FBI agents arrived on the scene at Utah Valley University some 16 minutes after Kirk was shot on Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel said at the news conference.

The bureau released the first photos of the suspect on Thursday morning, followed by the announcement of a cash reward and then the release of video of the suspect climbing down from the roof of a campus building and running away.

“Just last night, the suspect was taken into custody at 10 p.m. local time,” Patel announced.

Utah governor says Kirk’s assassination ‘is an attack on all of us’

10:26 a.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said some people have asked why there have been so many resources dedicated to investigating Kirk’s killing when there’s violence around the country, but the governor said it is “much bigger than an attack on an individual. It is an attack on all of us.”

The Republican said Kirk’s killing is “an attack on the American experiment” and values, and “cuts to the very foundation of who we are.”

Details of messages on bullet casings revealed

10:25 a.m. ET: Bullet casings discovered by authorities had several inscriptions engraved on them, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said. The casing that had been fired read: “notices bulges OwO what’s this?”

• Cox said there were three unfired casings:
• One read, “hey fascist! catch!” with an up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols.
• Another one read: “oh bella ciao bella ciao bella ciao ciao ciao,” Cox said.
• The third fired casing read: “if you read this you are gay lmao.”

Kirk assassination suspect indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting

10:15 a.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox opened the news conference on the latest developments in Charlie Kirk’s assassination with the statement, “We got him.”

Cox told reporters that Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting.

The president talked about learning the news of Kirk’s assassination

9:50 a.m. ET: Near the end of his Fox News interview, President Donald Trump said he’d been holding a meeting about building the new White House ballroom when his aides interrupted.

“They came in and they said, ‘Charlie Kirk is dead.’ I didn’t know what they meant. I said, ‘What do you mean, dead?’” Trump said.

“‘Charlie Kirk was shot.’ And they thought it was dead because it was so horrific.”

Trump said he swiftly ended his meeting. “I just told these people, “Get out, you gotta go.”

Suspect in custody in connection with Charlie Kirk shooting is 22-year-old from Utah, AP source says

9:25 a.m. ET: The suspect in custody in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk is a 22-year-old from Utah, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

A news conference is scheduled with the latest on Charlie Kirk investigation

9 a.m. ET: State and federal officials in Utah are planning to hold a news conference on the investigation.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls are expected to attend.

Trump says Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody

8:15 a.m. ET: Trump confirmed the news during a Friday morning interview with FOX & Friends.

“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody, right in custody. Everyone did a great job,” Trump said. 

“I just heard about it five minutes before I walked in. As I’m walking in, they said, ‘Looking real good.’ They have the person that they wanted.”

Sources told FOX News Friday that the suspected shooter was taken into custody in Southern Utah.

Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday had released photos and a video of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk was shot as he spoke to a crowd gathered in a courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.

More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in, officials said. Authorities have yet to publicly name the suspect or cite a motive in the killing, the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States.

Video shows alleged gunman fleeing the scene

Dig deeper:

Law enforcement showed new video during a news conference on Thursday evening showing the alleged gunman fleeing from the scene after Kirk was shot.

In the video, a person wearing dark clothing is seen running across a rooftop and then climbing down the side. He is then seen running away from the scene.

Who was Charlie Kirk?

The backstory:

Kirk was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA. Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government.

Kirk appeared alongside Trump on stage at political events, and was also a frequent commentator on Fox News, CNBC, and FOX Business News. He was the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Kirk played a major role in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He was credited with turning out the younger vote for Trump.

Tyler Robinson named suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting, how he was caught

Robinson was identified by his father in photographs released by auhtorities.

Authorities have taken into custody the person they suspect of shooting and killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday at a Utah university campus event.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody in St. George, Utah, on Friday, authorities and sources told ABC News.

Robinson’s father recognized him as the person being sought by police after authorities distributed photographs.

The father initially told Robinson to turn himself in. Robinson initially said no, but later changed his mind, officials said.

The father then called a youth pastor, who is also a U.S. Marshals task force officer. The officer advised the father to have Robinson stay in place.

At a press conference on Friday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson had become more political in recent years, and engaged in a conversation with a family member about Kirk’s visit to the Utah Valley University campus the night before.

Cox also described what was engraved on the casings found on the scene.

The first casing, according to Cox, said “Notices Bulge OWO what’s this??”

The other three unfired casing said: “Hey fascist! CATCH!” with an arrow symbol pointing up, then to the right, and then three arrows pointing down, “O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!,” and “If you read this, you are GAY Lmao.”

When law enforcement identified Robinson, they also interviewed Robinson’s roommate who showed them a message between Robinson and his roommate.

“The content of these messages included messages affiliated with the contact Tyler, stating a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush,” Cox said. “Messages related to a to visually watching the area where a rifle was left, and a message referring to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel. The messages also referred to engraving bullets and a mention of a scope and the rifle being unique. Messages from the contact Tyler also mentioned that he had changed outfits.”

Cox said Robinson arrived on campus driving a gray Dodge Challenger, which matched his vehicle he arrived in on campus.

He also thanked Robinson’s family, “who did the right thing.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said that law enforcement caught Robinson within 33 hours of the shooting and was on scene within 16 minutes.

“This is a very much an ongoing investigation, as the governor said, and we will continue to work with state and local authorities to develop the investigation to provide them the evidence they need for their ongoing prosecutions,” Patel said.

Authorities and a former FBI agent previously said they believed the subject to be a college-aged individual with an apparent proficiency in handling a high-powered rifle and likely knew the layout of the university where the homicide occurred.

President Donald Trump initially announced the arrest, stating on “Fox and Friends” on Friday morning, “I think with high degree of certainty, we have him in custody.”

During a news conference on Thursday evening, state and federal officials released video of the person of interest jumping down from the roof of a building on the campus.

Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said the suspect was wearing “distinct clothing” that could help in his identification, including Converse sneakers.

He said the person seen in the video jumping from the roof left shoe impressions and a palm print.

“We are investing everything we have into this and we will catch this individual,” Mason said at the news conference.

Authorities had received more than 7,000 tips and leads and completed some 200 interviews, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said.

During a news conference on Thursday morning, Robert Bohls, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said investigators believe they have recovered the weapon used in what the governor of Utah on Wednesday called a “political assassination.”

Bohls said the weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, was found discarded in a wooded area near Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, and is being analyzed at an FBI laboratory for any clues that can identify the gunman.

More specifically, multiple law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News that the weapon is an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle that was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the school. The sources said a spent cartridge was discovered in the chamber of the gun.

The gun and cartridges recovered are to be flown to the FBI’s main laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for the most technologically advanced forensic analysis, law enforcement sources told ABC News. The focus is to look for any latent fingerprints and DNA, the sources said.

Investigators also collected a footwear impression, a palm print and forearm prints for analysis, Bohls said.

Mason said that investigators are also studying “good video footage” of the shooter that they have used to track his movements before and after the shooting.

Following Thursday’s news conference, the FBI in Salt Lake City released surveillance images of the person of interest wanted in connection with the shooting. The images show a person who appears to be a white male, wearing all dark clothing, including a dark long-sleeved collarless top with what appears to be an image on the front that includes an American flag. The man in the images is also wearing a dark ball cap and sunglasses.

The FBI announced a $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of the suspect.

Mason said investigators believe the suspect arrived at the UVU campus at 11:52 a.m. local time, about 28 minutes before Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative grass roots organization Turning Point USA, was shot. He said the deadly shot was fired from a building a substantial distance from where Kirk was speaking to a crowd, authorities estimate was about 3,000 people. He did not disclose which building the shooter fired from.

“We have tracked his movements onto the campus, through stairwells, up to the roof, across the roof to the shooting location,” Mason said. “After the shooting, we were able to track his movements as he moved to the other side of the building, jumped off of the building, and fled off of the campus into a neighborhood.”

He said investigators combed the neighborhood for the suspect and contacted residents with doorbell cameras to analyze.

“The individual appears to be of college age,” said Mason, adding that the person of interest “blended in well with the college institution.”

Brad Garrett, a retired FBI agent and an ABC News contributor, said the evidence investigators have shared so far paints a picture of a suspect who planned the shooting down to the last detail, including discarding the possible murder weapon along his escape path.

“He probably did that [because] he didn’t want to be seen carrying a weapon, running through a neighborhood, or walking through a neighborhood,” Garrett said.

Garrett said the discovery of the weapon is a major clue that will give investigators additional leads to track down.

“Where did it come from? It could very well be registered or purchased by this shooter. We’ll have to see,” Garrett said. “Was it stolen? Whatever it might be, the ATF [the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] will help them immediately, and they probably already know what that is.”

WE HERE AT GOOD SHEPHERD NEWS MEDIA BELIEVE ITS IS OUR OPINION BASED ON THE VIDEO BELOW THAT THE KILLER HAD PARTNERS ON THE INSIDE

Its with our deepest regrets to reports such a heinous evil crime, our Christian Brother CHARLIE KIRK has PASSED, Our prayers go out to our  heavenly father to take Charlie Kirk into heaven, to forgive him of any transgressions he may have done so that he may be in heaven with you father, IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME, AMEN

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in an act that drew renewed attention to the threat of political violence across the United States.

The death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, as “Great, and even Legendary.”

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

The suspected shooter has not been arrested, Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young said. A person who was taken into custody by law enforcement at the university where Kirk was speaking was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The AP was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.

“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.

Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions for an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience members asked. Kirk responded: “Too many.”

The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked.

Then a single shot rang out.

The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit to Utah colleges was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”

Trump and a host of Republican and Democratic elected officials decried the shooting and offered prayers for Kirk on social media.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.

“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke.

He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.

“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”

Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.

But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.

Despite early misgivings, Turning Point enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.

Charlie Kirk Shot at Utah University Multiple Times – PRAYERS for CHARLIE KIRK

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University

CAUTINON THE VIDEO BELOW IS THE REAL VIDEO, ITS DISTURBING AND VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. DO NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN SEE THIS VIDEO

Charlie Kirk, a well-known right-wing political activist, was reportedly shot in the neck at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The university confirmed the shooting in a post on X, writing:

“Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.”

Bystanders told the Deseret News that Kirk was shot during a Q&A with students.

His condition was not immediately known.

Kirk is the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. The organization also confirmed he was shot, according to the Associated Press.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”

A single shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.

A spokesperson for the university told the New York Times that Kirk was struck by a suspect who had fired from the Losee Center, a building about 200 yards away. The suspect had been taken into custody, she said, and was not a student.

President Donald Trump responded to the shooting, writing in a post on Truth Social:

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

At a Turning Point USA event in 2023, Kirk said gun deaths were “unfortunately” worth it to defend the Second Amendment.

According to Newsweek, he said:

“You will never live in a society when you have an armed citizenry and you won’t have a single gun death … I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”

Lawmakers quickly sounded off after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during an event on his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.

Prayers for Kirk’s recovery as well as condemnation of political violence poured in from both Democrats and Republicans minutes after the news broke.

“This is a good time to pray,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on X, adding that he was monitoring the situation.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., “Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk.”

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk speaks during the Turning Point Action’s The Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida on July 26, 2024. (REUTERS/Marco Bello)

Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., a first-term Democrat, wrote online, “Political violence has NO place in our society. I am closely monitoring the events in Utah.”

“The attack on Charlie Kirk today is a horrific act of political violence. Praying for his safety and for his family in this trying time. We must reject and condemn political violence in all its forms,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said in a statement.

The top Democrat in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York similarly condemned the violence.

“Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” Jeffries wrote in a statement.

The top Democrat and Republican in the Senate both sounded off with similar sentiments in the minutes after Kirk was shot.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington on June 2, 2025.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

“There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., wrote on X.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote on the site, “Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

Kirk also got support from former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who left Congress after she was shot and nearly killed in a political assassination attempt in 2011.

“I’m horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah. Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence,” Giffords wrote.

She added that she and her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., are praying for Kirk’s recovery.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., condemned gun violence after the shooting on Wednesday.

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also wished Kirk well after the shooting. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

“The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence,” Pelosi wrote in a statement.

Ellen Treanor, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications Management at Utah Valley University, told Fox News that a suspect was in custody after Kirk’s shooting.

A White House official, meanwhile, told Fox News that the tragic event was being monitored in the situation room and by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his role as National Security Advisor. source

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, CHARLIE HAS PASSED
OF CHARLIE KIRK OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS OUR WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND HIM AND HIS CHILDREN

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event

At Least Two Children Killed in Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

Suspect was deceased; police reported 17 others were injured, including 14 children

Fast Facts

• Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis Police Chief, confirms 2 children, aged 8 and 10, died in Annunciation Catholic Church shooting as they sat in pews
• 17 people, including 14 children, were injured in mass shooting on Wednesday
• O’Hara told reporters during a press conference Wednesday that police believe the shooter used three weapons, a rifle, shotgun and pistol
• Suspect took own life in rear of church, O’Hara said
• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the incident on X, expressing concern and offering prayers for the affected students and teachers
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the Department of Homeland Security is actively monitoring the situation
• Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with Police Chief O’Hara and the emergency response team
• ATF agents from the St. Paul Office responded to the active shooter situation at Annunciation Church

Witnesses describe gunfire at Minneapolis shooting: ‘Went on for eternity’

Retired FBI agent breaks down response to Catholic school shooting

A retired FBI special agent said law enforcement’s mission in response to the Minnesota Catholic school shooting was “get to the school as fast as possible and stop the shooter.”

“Officers entered the building not knowing what they would face,” Jason Pack told Fox News Digital.Pack added that “those first minutes are confusion and noise, but training takes over.”

“Secure the scene. Protect the children. Save lives.”

Officials in Minneapolis confirmed that the shooter was dead and took his own life.

Pack said now the investigation shifts to gathering shell casings, reviewing security footage, tracing the firearms and interviewing witnesses.

He added that investigators will also look at the suspect’s past to understand warning signs and whether others were involved.“The main question they are answering, ‘Why would someone do this?’” Pack said.

DNC chair interrupts major party meeting to announce mass shooting miles away

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin interrupted his party’s summer meeting Wednesday in Minneapolis to announce the mass shooting in the same city.

“I just want to announce some news. I’m not trying to startle or shock any of you. It’s shocking to me. There is an active shooter, here in Minneapolis. Right now, an unknown amount of victims at a church and school,” Martin, who is from Minneapolis himself, told the audience.

“EMS has requested mass casualty responders, if, any of you, doctors, nurses and otherwise, responders, first responders, that could help. It seems to be a fairly significant shooting,” he added.

Police later said two children were killed and 17 other people – including 14 children – were injured in the shooting during a mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.

9 children, aged 6 to 14, being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center

Nine of the children injured in a shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday were being treated at a hospital, with four requiring surgeries, a hospital official told reporters.

Tom Wyatt, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare said 11 patients were brought to the Hennepin County Medical Center, including two adults and nine children aged between 6 and 14.

There were no fatalities among the 11 patients being treated there as of Wednesday afternoon, he said, adding that several of the children were in critical condition and required surgery.

“I can’t get into specifics, but we are dealing with gunshot wound injuries from apparently a high velocity weapon,” Wyatt said. “And, you know, gunshot wounds can be very problematic because it can involve multiple body systems.”

Wyatt said that he believed other non-critical victims were brought to other area hospitals.

Vice President Vance encourages Americans to pray for shooting victims

Police confirm two children killed, 17 others injured in shooting

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed on Wednesday that two children were killed and 17 others were injured, 14 of whom were children.

“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara said while addressing reporters.

Additionally, O’Hara said police believe the assailant took his own life. The suspect is believed to have shot through the church windows into the area where the children were praying. He was confirmed to have a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol.

There was a smoke bomb found at the scene.

Schumer, Jeffries call Minneapolis Catholic school shooting ‘horrifying’

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer listens as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks, during a press conference addressing the appropriations process at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., are among the Democratic lawmakers sharing their reactions to the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

“I’m horrified by the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis and closely monitoring the situation,” Schumer wrote on X. “I’m thankful for the first responders on the scene. Students and teachers should not be putting their lives on the line just by going back to school. We must do more to stop gun violence in America.”

Jeffries similarly called the Catholic school shooting “horrifying.”

“Praying for the children, families and first responders during this moment of terror and unimaginable grief,” he wrote on X, in part. “Weapons of war have no place in our neighborhoods, streets or schools.”

Hennepin County Attorney releases statement on Minneapolis Catholic school shooting

 

Six children being treated at Children’s Minnesota Hospital

 

Federal source says ‘mostly children’ among over a dozen injured in Minneapolis school shooting

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Annunciation Church’s school in response to a reported mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

 

A federal source on the ground in Minneapolis confirmed to Fox News that an estimated 15 to 20 people were injured in a shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School.

Another federal source told Fox News Digital that there were 20 injured, and were “mostly children.”

It was not immediately clear whether there were any fatalities.

 

Minneapolis Catholic school targeted in shooting, prompting massive police response

A shooting was reported Wednesday at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, according to the state’s governor, Tim Walz.

Walz wrote on X that “I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School” and “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

The Minneapolis Police Department shared a message from the city of Minneapolis confirming “there is no active threat to the community at this time” and “the shooter is contained.” Sources told Fox 9 that the suspect – who has not been publicly identified – is deceased. source

 

It is with deep regret that we here at Good Shepherd Media News have to report that “FRANK CAPRIO, THE NICEST HUMAN JUDGE OF TODAYS COURTS, HAS DIED AT THE AGE OF 88, A GOOD MAN DOWN!”

 Breaking News 

• Passing and Legacy: Judge Frank Caprio, affectionately remembered as the “Nicest Judge in the World,” passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on August 20, 2025, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
• Life & Fame : Serving as a municipal court judge in Providence from 1985 to 2023, he became a beloved public figure through his viral television show Caught in Providence (2018–2020), where his warmth, mercy, and compassion in the courtroom captured hearts around the world.
• Final Messages & Faith: In his final messages, he expressed deep gratitude for the countless prayers offered on his behalf. He encouraged others to hold fast to their faith and emphasized his reliance on divine strength, reminding all that “the Almighty above is looking over us.”
• Official Honors: In recognition of his service and impact, Rhode Island’s governor honored him as a true state treasure and ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast in his memory.

Judge Frank Caprio has passed away peacefully at the age of 88, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Beloved around the world for his deep compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched millions through his work in the courtroom, and even more through his example of humanity.

His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him or hearing his words.

He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he uplifted and the kindness he inspired.

In his memory, may we all strive to lead with more empathy, more understanding, and more heart, just as he did every single day.

“FRANK CAPRIO, THE NICEST HUMAN JUDGE OF TODAYS COURTS, HAS DIED AT THE AGE OF 88, A GOOD MAN DOWN!
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TO RECEIVE THIS MAN INTO HEAVEN, AND TO HELP HEAL THE WOUNDS HE ABSENCE LEAVES IN THOSE THAT LOVE HIM!

Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired.

In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.

US celebrity judge and social media star Frank Caprio has died aged 88, his family has said.

Over a 40-year career in Rhode Island, he famously used compassion and humour to make judgements that took into consideration the personal circumstances of the people in the dock.
Videos of Judge Caprio presiding over cases on his hit TV show Caught in Providence have had billions of views on social media, earning him the title the “nicest judge in the world”.
His death following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was announced on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his “warmth” and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people”.
Judge Caprio had presided over thousands of cases in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, before embarking on a TV career.

His signature courtroom style produced viral clips ranging from him inviting children to sit with him behind the bench during cases, to announcing a “mini-judge” plushie of himself.

A TikTok video showcasing his morning routine – brushing his teeth, signing his book and watching videos of his own show – has had more than 5m views.

In an 2019 interview, Judge Caprio said his courtroom proceedings “show a slice of life of Rhode Island that is very interesting, and it reflects the same issues people are experiencing nationwide”.
David Caprio, his son, thanked fans for their love and support and urged people to “spread a little kindness” in his father’s memory.
In an Instagram statement to his 3.4 million followers, Judge Caprio was remembered for the “countless acts of kindness he inspired”.
“His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” the statement said.
During its run, Caught in Providence was nominated for three Daytime Emmys, with Judge Caprio earning two of his own nominations last year.
The company behind it, Debmar-Mercury, paid tribute to Judge Caprio’s “unique brand of compassion and common sense approach”.
“We will miss him dearly,” co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a statement.
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, Judge Caprio said he was “fully prepared to fight as hard I can” and thanked followers for their support.
In one of his last social media posts, Judge Caprio announced he was back in hospital after suffering a “setback” in his treatment and asked his followers for their prayers.

Judge Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce Caprio, of almost 60 years, their five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. source

MY BIGGEST MISTAKE… I’ll never forget what my father told me on my first day as a judge!

 

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Judge Frank Caprio (@therealfrankcaprio) • Instagram photos and videos

Reality TV star, Judge Frank Caprio, dead at 88 following battle with pancreatic cancer

Family says beloved municipal judge ‘touched lives of millions through his work in courtroom’

Frank Caprio, a retired municipal judge in Rhode Island who went viral on social media for his kindness, has died. He was 88.

The family released a statement on Instagram Wednesday in a post featuring Caprio with his family, writing his death came after “a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”

“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” the statement read. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”

The statement continued: “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired.”

Judge Frank Caprio has died at the age of 88. (Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

“In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day,” the statement concluded.

Caprio garnered a following on social media after videos of him treating those who appeared before him in his courtroom with kindness and compassion went viral, earning him the title of “Nicest Judge in the World.”

In the videos, Caprio can often be seen bringing children up to join him on the bench, setting up payment plans for individuals who weren’t able to pay the full amount of their fine, and sometimes waiving the fines completely.

His social media fame led him to star in his own reality show, titled “Caught in Providence,” which was on the air for two years, from 2018 to 2020. The show originally aired on local access television, but was picked up by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury division.

Caprio’s success on social media led to a reality show called, “Caught in Providence.” (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

“Judge Caprio’s unique brand of compassion and common sense approach to justice caught the attention of daytime TV and social media audiences, making ‘Caught in Providence’ a fan favorite,” Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, co-presidents of Debmar-Mercury, said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “We will miss him dearly.”

The show went on to receive four Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including one for Caprio.

In December 2023, Caprio announced to his social media followers he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, calling it “an insidious form of cancer” and asked his followers to keep him in their prayers.

“One thing that people ask me is, ‘What can I do for you?’ First of all, I can’t thank all of you enough for your friendship and your kind messages. But I would ask each of you, in your own way, to please pray for me,” Caprio continued. “I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe, in addition to the medical treatment that I’m receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.”

Caprio told his followers he had a setback in an Aug. 19 Instagram post. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

In an Aug. 19 Instagram post, Caprio told his 3.3 million Instagram followers that he “had a setback” and asked them to “remember me in your prayers once more.”

“Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it’s very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period. Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback. I’m back in the hospital now and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”

The governor of Rhode Island, Dan McKee, reacted to Caprio’s death on X, writing in part, “Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure. As we mourn his passing, my thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all who loved him.”

Resting in God’s Sovereign Power

“God’s sovereign hand” refers to the belief that God has ultimate authority and control over all things, and that His will is ultimately carried out in the world. It emphasizes God’s supreme power and ability to direct events, even those that may seem random or coincidental to humans. This concept is a central theme in Christian theology, where it is understood that God orchestrates every event according to His divine plan. 

“Sovereign” can refer to supreme power or authority, particularly in the context of a nation or ruler. It can also describe a person who holds that power, such as a king or queen, or a state that is independent and self-governing. The term also has roots in Old French and ultimately Latin, signifying “above” or “supreme”.

 

In the Hands of Sovereign God

Resting in God’s Sovereign Power

Life can often feel uncertain and chaotic. Plans fall apart, unexpected trials arise, and we sometimes find ourselves anxious about what the future holds. In those moments, one of the most comforting truths for a believer is the sovereignty of God. Scripture affirms that God is “supreme, all-powerful, and in control of all things,” even our most uncertain moments. In other words, nothing that happens in our lives catches God by surprise. He reigns over every detail—offering us deep assurance and hope “amidst uncertainty”. As God Himself declares in Isaiah, “My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish”. Because God is sovereign, we can find peace in uncertainty, receive assurance in trials, gain confidence in our purpose, and grow deeper in trust of His perfect plan. Let’s reflect on these blessings of His sovereign power in our lives.

Peace in Uncertainty

Uncertainty in life is something we all face, whether it’s waiting for test results, navigating job changes, or facing an unclear future. Naturally, not knowing what tomorrow holds can fill us with anxiety. But remembering God’s sovereign power brings an unexpected calm. We realize that while we don’t know the future, God already does. He rules over yesterday, today, and tomorrow, so we can rest knowing our unknowns are fully known to Him. The Bible encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. This kind of peace — beyond all understanding — comes when we entrust our worries to the God who is in control. Instead of being consumed by “what ifs,” we can pray and leave our concerns in His hands, confident that His sovereign love will carry us.

Even Jesus assured His followers of peace despite uncertain times. He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). How can we experience such peace? By anchoring our hearts in the truth that God is on the throne. As the prophet Isaiah writes, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). When we choose to focus on God’s unchanging character instead of our changing circumstances, our fear is replaced with a quiet peace. We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future, and that makes all the difference.

Assurance in Trials

When painful trials and suffering enter our lives, it’s easy to wonder if God is really in control. We might ask, “Why is this happening?” or “How can any good come from this?” Yet even in our hardest moments, God’s sovereignty offers assurance: He is still at work, and He can bring purpose out of our pain. Romans 8:28 promises us this comforting truth: “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”. All things – even the trials we don’t understand – are orchestrated by God for the ultimate good of His children. This doesn’t mean the trials themselves are good or easy, but it reassures us that God can redeem even the darkest circumstances for a good purpose. We can echo the confidence of the Apostle Paul, who endured many hardships yet remained certain that if God is for us, no one can truly be against us (Romans 8:31).

The Bible gives us real-life examples of this sovereign assurance in suffering. Joseph, for instance, was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned – years of hardship that seemed senseless at the time. But later, Joseph could look those same brothers in the eye and say, “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to… preserve the lives of many people”. God’s sovereign hand had been guiding Joseph’s story all along. What others meant for harm, God turned to salvation – not only for Joseph, but for many. In our trials, we too can trust that God is weaving a greater story. Like a master weaver, He can take the tangled threads of pain and hardship and weave them into something eternally beautiful. Knowing this gives us assurance: our suffering is not meaningless, and we never suffer alone. The sovereign God who allowed the trial will also provide His strength and presence to carry us through it (Isaiah 43:2). In every trial, we can say with confidence that God is still God, and He is still good.

Confidence in Purpose

One of the great comforts of God’s sovereignty is that our lives are not accidents or afterthoughts. We have purpose because God intentionally created and placed us where we are. In seasons when we feel aimless or question our significance, His sovereign plan gives us confidence that we’re part of something much bigger. Scripture reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” No matter how confusing our path gets or how many detours we take, God’s purposes for us will stand. He uniquely designed each of us with gifts and callings, and He knows exactly how our lives fit into His grand story. Ephesians 2:10 affirms that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to do.” If God prepared works for us ahead of time, we can be confident He’ll lead us into them at the right time.

Consider Esther’s story in the Bible. A young Jewish woman, she found herself queen of Persia at a critical moment for her people. It wasn’t just coincidence or her own doing – it was God’s sovereign positioning. Her cousin Mordecai pointed this out, telling Esther that she had come to her royal position “for such a time as this”. Indeed, God used Esther to save an entire nation. In the same way, God has placed you where you are for a reason. You can have confidence that your life has meaning in His plan. Maybe you don’t see the full picture of it yet – often we don’t until later – but we trust that God doesn’t make mistakes. He knows the plans He has for you. As the Lord spoke to His people in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Our Sovereign God intends good for His children. Even when your path seems unclear, you can move forward with confidence that God is guiding your steps and that your life’s purpose is safely held in His hands.

Deeper Trust in His Plan

Understanding God’s sovereignty invites us to take a deep breath and trust Him more fully. If God truly is in control of all things, then we don’t have to be. We can let go of the steering wheel of life, so to speak, and surrender our need to control every outcome. This doesn’t mean we become passive or stop making decisions; rather, it means we live with the reassurance that God is directing our steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”. In a world where we often lean on our limited understanding, this is a gentle call to trust God’s greater understanding. He sees the end from the beginning. He knows why each twist in the road is necessary, even when we do not. As we acknowledge Him in every part of our lives, He faithfully leads us in the right direction.

Growing deeper in trust is a process, often learned over time. Each experience of God’s faithfulness becomes a stepping stone to greater faith. When we remember how God came through for us yesterday, it’s easier to trust Him with today and tomorrow. The Bible assures us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) – the same sovereign Lord who cared for us in past trials will care for us now. Moreover, God’s sovereignty means that even when our path includes waiting or unexpected turns, we can trust His timing. He is never early, never late. His plan unfolds in perfect wisdom and love. Sometimes trusting God’s plan means accepting that we won’t have all the answers. Yet, because we know His character – His goodness, wisdom, and power – we can say, “Lord, I don’t know what You’re doing, but I trust that You do.” This kind of surrender is not easy, but it is incredibly freeing. We shift from a posture of worry to one of worship, from trying to figure everything out to resting in the fact that God already has. In that surrender, our relationship with God deepens. We come to know Him not just as a mighty King, but as a loving Father who is for us. The more we trust His sovereign plan, the more intimately we experience His heart and faithfulness.

Conclusion: Secure in His Sovereignty

In the end, reflecting on God’s sovereign power fills us with comfort and encouragement. The more we recognize His control over every aspect of our lives, the more our hearts can relax and find rest. Truly, the doctrine of God’s sovereignty gives believers “a profound sense of security and hope”. We realize that we are held by an all-powerful God whose plans for us are good. When uncertainty comes, we have peace knowing He’s still in charge. When trials arise, we have assurance that He’s working them for good. When we question our purpose, we find confidence that He’s guiding our calling. And as we see Him prove faithful again and again, we learn to trust Him with everything – our present, our future, our whole lives.

What a comfort to know that the same God who governs the stars also tenderly governs our stories! He is both King over the universe and Shepherd of our souls. Nothing is too large to fall outside His providence, and nothing is too small to escape His fatherly care. With Paul we can boldly say, “…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39) – for that loving God is sovereign over all.

Dear friend, whatever you are facing today, take heart: God’s got this. You can rest in His sovereign hands. May the truth of His supreme power and loving control be a firm foundation under your feet. As you go forward, let His sovereignty be your comfort in uncertainty, your hope in trial, your purpose in living, and your reason to trust Him more each day. He is faithful, He is good, and He is in control – yesterday, today, forever. Let that truth steady your soul and invite you into a deeper rest in Him. Amen.

Peace in Uncertainty

• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

• Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Assurance in Trials

• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

• Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

• Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

• Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Confidence in Purpose

• Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

• Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

• Esther 4:14 – “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

• Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Deeper Trust in His Plan

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

• Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Secure in His Sovereignty

• Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

• Isaiah 46:10 – “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’”

• Colossians 1:16-17 – “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

May these scriptures deepen your understanding and appreciation of God’s sovereign power in your life!

Preparing Self (7:1-10)

Not only does his bloodline show him to be from the line of priests, but great descriptions are given about him. Look at verse 6. Ezra was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses. But the important declaration is made at the end of verse 6. The king of Persia granted all that Ezra asked because the hand of the Lord his God was on him. Ezra has determined to made the journey to Jerusalem and some other Israelites want to join him. Ezra safely makes the journey “for the good hand of his God was on him” (7:9). Now notice the reason for God being with Ezra. Look at verse 10.

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10 ESV)

The NASB 2020 reads that Ezra firmly resolved to study the Law of the Lord. The CSB reads that Ezra determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord. The NIV reads that Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord. The NET reads that Ezra dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord. I want us to see this picture of Ezra. He devoted himself and dedicated himself to study God’s law, to do God’s law, and teach God’s law. Friends, is there a better decision you can make today? Is there a better thing to do with your time? Is there a better thing to devote yourself for?

I want you to notice that in this paragraph, verses 1-10, the text twice records that the good, gracious hand of God was on Ezra. Why was the good hand of God on him? Because Ezra had prepared himself for God. Ezra prepared himself. Ezra prepared his heart. Ezra prepared his life. Ezra gave himself to studying God’s law, to doing God’s law, and to teaching God’s law.

Looking For God’s Hand (7:11-28)

Verses 11-26 record a copy of the letter that the king of Persia gave to Ezra for his return to Jerusalem. The letter records a second exodus from Persia being authorized. Anyone of the people of Israel may freely go back to Jerusalem (7:13). The decree includes sending money and resources back with Ezra. Also the decree is made to the treasurer beyond the river to provide whatever the God of heaven needs (7:21-23). Ezra is authorized to appoint judges in the area to apply God’s law, requiring all of Israel to obey it. But I want us to see what Ezra says about this in verses 27-28.

Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. (Ezra 7:27–28 ESV)

Ezra credits all of it to God. All of the success is given to God. Ezra recognizes that God has moved the heart of the king to send Ezra back to do the work. Ezra believed that the hand of the Lord was on him which gave him the courage to go to Jerusalem and do the work. What Ezra is able to do is look at the good things that were happening in his life and attribute them to the good hand of God. It is an interesting phenomenon that we go through. When things go bad, we are often ready and willing to blame God for our difficulties. But when things go well, we are often ready and willing to credit ourselves and not God. We fail to see the good hand of God because we are not looking for it. Ezra does not credit himself. He does not think of himself as a great priest or great teacher or great student as the reason why the king has given him the ability to return to Jerusalem. Ezra recognizes that it is all God.

Preparing Others and Humbling Ourselves (8:1-36)

Ezra 8 opens by recording the number of people who returned with Ezra to Jerusalem (8:1-14). But Ezra observes a problem before they leave Persia in verse 15. None of the people who returned were Levites. So Ezra sends for the leaders of the people and tells them that they need servants for the house of God (8:17). You will notice again that Ezra completely depends on the Lord. In verse 18 he says that the gracious hand of God was on us and so Levites were brought out to go with the people to work at the temple in service to the Lord. Ezra calls the people to leave their comfort zones and leave their Persian lives to go do the work before them.

But the important way this all comes about it recorded in verses 21-23. Ezra proclaims a fast that they might humble themselves before their God. Ezra sees that there is a long journey ahead and a great work that needs to be accomplished. Before they can do anything and before they set out, they turn to the Lord. They humble themselves before the Lord through fasting and prayer. Now Ezra points out that there was a really important reason for needing God’s good hand. Look at what he says in verse 22. Ezra says that he did not want to ask the king for protection in their travels because he had proclaimed the goodness and righteousness of God to the king. He told the king this great truth:

The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.

Ezra is saying that he wanted to prove his faith in God before the king. He wanted to show the truth of his faith. God’s good hand will be on all who seek him and his wrath will be against all who forsake him. So verse 23 records that the people fasted and implored God for this and God listened. They believed God would provide. They believed that God would give them what they needed. They believed that if they devoted themselves to the work that God would be with them. It is a beautiful picture. Ezra says we need servants and God is going to be with us because we are devoting our lives to him. Our lives are in God’s hands. Ezra wanted all to see that God would take care of them.

I want you to think about how many times you have seen the good hand of God in this way. Have you ever told someone that God was going to take care of you? Have you ever told others that God would take care of them? But I do not mean in just a flippant way to say something encouraging. What I mean is in the way that Ezra does. Ezra humbles himself and looks to God in complete dependence before they make their journey, believing God will be with them. How many times have you seen God do this?

But let me flip the question the other direction. How many times have we done what Ezra did? How many times have we humbled ourselves before God, in complete poverty of spirit and recognition of God’s sovereign power, and asked for God’s help before going forward in a decision or direction in life? How many times have we even done this to start our day? Ezra is showing us that we will see the good hand of God when we humble ourselves before him in every aspect of our lives. Start your day humbling yourself before God. Humble yourself before making decisions. We show our humility when we seek God first for our day rather than only coming to him when we are in trouble.

The Good Hand of God

The repetition found in these two chapters is the good hand of God. There are three key principles that we have observed in these two chapters about the good hand of God. First, Ezra devoted himself to studying God’s law, doing God’s law, and teaching God’s law. If we want to see the good hand of God, we must devote ourselves to God. Why would expect to see the good hand of God and experience in our lives when we devote ourselves to so many things other than studying, doing, and teaching God’s word?

Second, Ezra looked for the good hand of God and attributed all the good he experienced to God. Do we do this? Do we attribute all of our good to God’s hand or to our own hand? Paul reminded the Corinthians:

What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV)

What do we act like is because of ourselves and not received from God? Perhaps we have missed so many things in our lives that is God showing his good hand toward you. Look for the good hand of God actively working in your life.

Third, we need to humble ourselves to see the good hand of God. We must show that we are depending on God’s hand and not our own. Ezra had courage because he saw God’s hand at work. He did the work because he knew that God was with him. In the same way, God is with us if we will humble ourselves, devote ourselves to him, and look for God’s good hand. source

The sovereignty of God is the attribute of God that brings great comfort and assurance in the life of a believer.

To know God

The obligation of a believer is to know God. Paul said in Philippians 3:10-11 (ESV)

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Paul knew God, but he still wanted to know God—knowing God is an ongoing process. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV) says

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.

You and I cannot genuinely know God apart from His Word and the Holy Spirit. And friend, especially in the times we live right now, we need to make a priority in knowing God and His Word. If you do not know God, you cannot trust Him—no one can trust, obey, worship and serve an unknown God.

In the words of A. W. Pink

Something more than a theoretical knowledge of God is needed by us. God is only truly known in the soul as we yield ourselves to Him, submit to His authority, and regulate all the details of our lives by His holy percepts and commandments.

[Also, read Hosea 6:3, Daniel 11:32 and John 7:17]

The Sovereignty of God in the Bible 

What is the sovereignty of God? You can find many definitions for it but I want to share with you how A. W. Pink defines it

The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature, He is the Most High, Lord of heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, none can hinder Him. 

(I love how Pink encompasses so many things about God in a short paragraph) Isaiah 46:10 (ESV) declares this truth so well

declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose

One can see a similar declaration in Ephesians 1:11 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will

Psalm 115:3 (ESV)

Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

Psalm 135:6 (ESV)

Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.

I believe the Bible is straightforward about the sovereignty of God.

The first thing any believer should know about God

I believe that when we teach others about God, this should be the first thing we tell them after the gospel—that God is sovereign and that the sovereignty of God is limitless. Spurgeon said it so well

There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all. On the other hand, there is no doctrine more hated by worldings, no truth of which they have made such football, as the great, stupendous, but yet most certain doctrine of the Sovereignty of the infinite Jehovah. Men will allow God to be everywhere except on His throne. 

I believe this is so true. Many people of this world have no problem with God being the Creator of the stars, or the One who blesses the earth with rain and with warmth. But most of the unbelievers hate when we proclaim an enthroned God who does all that he pleases (Psalm 115:3).

Now is the time to declare more than ever the sovereignty of God over all the world. He knows what He’s doing, He knows what He allows to happen on the earth. Storms, lightnings, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, wars, world hunger, the fall of the stock markets or Covid-19—nothing takes our God by surprise. God is where He’s always been—on His throne.

Mankind is not God

The people of this world do not love a God on the throne. Mankind loves to be in control but they are not—God proves to us again and again that we, men, are not in control. Moreover, mankind, in general, hates to lose control or give up control to a God they do not know. They hate the fact God does not ask their opinions and counsel on how to rule the Universe. So, mankind tried to remove God from His throne and rule their lives as they wanted as they pleased—men without Yeshua think they are little gods. When, in fact, there is only One God—and that God is not you and I.

Friend, take comfort in the fact  that whatever happens right now in your house, family, church, city or country—God is on His throne and in control of all things. Satan is not sovereign, men are not sovereign, your problems are not sovereign, but God is the Sovereign God.

Nevertheless, the sovereignty of God does not cancel human responsibility. We need a godly balanced view over the sovereignty of God and the world situation. Pink said it so well:

[God is] unrivalled in majesty, unlimited in power, unaffected by anything outside Himself. But we are living in a day when even the most orthodox seem afraid to admit the proper Godhood of God. They say that to press the sovereignty of God excludes human responsibility, whereas human responsibility is based upon Divine sovereignty, and is the product of it. 

One can see the sovereignty of God over angels and men

God created the angels—they are created beings, like the humans beings. The angels which sinned (2 Peter 2:5) were God’s creation just as the angels who did not sin. God knows everything (1 John 3:20) and He foresaw that part of His angels would fall, out of their choice—God was not the Author of their fall but He knew what would take place.

Likewise, God was not the Author of Adam and Eve’s fall—I believe to say that is an error. From the text in Genesis 3:9-19 it’s crystal clear for me that God kept Adam responsible for his decision. Adam had the God-given liberty to eat from all trees in the garden, but he was commanded not to eat from one tree—the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16). God was on the throne when Adam sinned.

Often we hear people debating about God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. I think Pink nailed it when he said

Many have most foolishly said that it is quite impossible to show where Divine sovereignty ends and creature accountability begins. Here is where creature responsibility begins: in the sovereign ordination of the Creator. As to His sovereignty, there is not and never will be any ’end’ to it!

One can see the sovereignty of God over the world

In Psalm 29:10-11 (ESV) we read

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

God orchestrated the flood, and the flood was God’s will and plan. The sovereignty of God kept Noah—but do not disregard Noah’s part, because His obedience was crucial in his salvation (Hebrew 11:7). Obedience to God’s Word will save you and me from the chaos of this world.

See the connection in Psalm 29 between God sitting on His throne and strength and peace. To know who God is, to know the sovereignty of God over all creation, brings shalom and strength in a difficult circumstance. [Psalm 29 is my wife’s favorite Psalm]

One can see the sovereignty of God over Israel

God directed His people to go to Egypt, and at the right time God brought them out of slavery of Egypt. What happened to them was part of God’s plan—and no power of Egypt, Pharaoh and his armies or satan and the gods of Egypt could stop God’s plan. Moreover, one can see how perfectly God led His people throughout the Bible and history.

One can see the sovereignty of God in the life and ministry of Yeshua

Galatians 4:4 (ESV) 

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law

You see, Yeshua came into our world when the fullness of time had come—that means at the perfect time. Not a day early, not a day later. He came in the perfect context of history for God’s plan to be fulfilled, He was born in the precise family He was supposed to be born and in the perfect location. Do not miss the sovereignty of God in Yeshua’s life and ministry.

Everything Yeshua did was part of God’s sovereign plan. The cross—His betrayal, death, and resurrection was God’s sovereign plan.

Acts 2:23 (ESV)

this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 

It was a sovereign will that appointed Him, sovereign love that sent Him, sovereign authority that assigned Him His work. 

No wonder Paul declares in

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus Christ is Lord means that Jesus is God. source

Gratitude, far from being a sentimental notion, has emerged as a scientifically supported force capable of transforming the human brain and improving overall mental health.

Neuroscientific studies have shown that regularly practicing gratitude activates brain regions associated with moral cognition, emotional regulation, and reward, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (Zahn et al., 2009).

Notably, Dr. Alex Korb, in his book The Upward Spiral, describes how gratitude stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin—two neurotransmitters vital for mood stabilization and happiness —making it a powerful natural antidepressant.

A growing body of evidence confirms that this effect is not fleeting: a study by the University of California, Berkeley, led by Joel Wong and Joshua Brown (2017), found that individuals who wrote gratitude letters showed significantly better mental health outcomes even 12 weeks after the exercise, regardless of whether the letters were sent.

In parallel, Emmons and McCullough (2003) demonstrated that individuals who kept a gratitude journal for just 10 weeks reported increased optimism, better sleep, and more physical activity.

Furthermore, gratitude has been shown to enhance the neural modulation of the prefrontal cortex, which reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by strengthening pathways that suppress negative emotions.

According to McCraty & Childre (2004), gratitude also reduces cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone—improving cardiovascular health and emotional resilience. At the structural level, researchers like Zahn et al. (2014) have found that individuals who frequently feel gratitude show increased gray matter volume in the right inferior temporal gyrus, which plays a key role in interpreting social signals and emotional meaning.

As UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center puts it, “Gratitude changes the neural structures of the brain,” reshaping how we perceive and engage with the world. ”

Ultimately, gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it rewires the brain toward greater emotional intelligence, social connection, and resilience, offering a neuropsychological foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

NOT JUST SCIENCE, BIBLICAL AS WELL. ONE DAY SCIENCE WILL ALIGN ITSELF FULLY WITH CREATION!

Gratitude Transforms Anxiety into Peace Bible verses to help us through our daily life and life in General

Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude Shifts Perspective and Brings Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude Leads to God’s Presence

Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Gratitude Transforms Hardship into Growth

James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Gratitude Deepens Our Relationship with God

Colossians 3:16-17
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Gratitude Opens Our Eyes to God’s Blessings

Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gratitude Is an Act of Worship

Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Gratitude Leads to Wholeness and Healing

Luke 17:15-19 (The healing of the ten lepers)
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him… Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'”

Gratitude in Scripture is often a catalyst for profound change. Below, the examples are organized by the type of transformation experienced – Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Social – with each verse or passage quoted and explained.

Emotional Transformation (Anxiety to Peace, Sadness to Joy)

• Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Godbiblehub.com. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”biblehub.com. Transformation: A thankful posture in prayer turns anxiety into peace. Paul teaches that when we present our worries to God with gratitude, God’s transcendent peace will calm our hearts and mindsgotquestions.org. The act of thanking God, even as we petition Him, shifts our focus from troubles to trust, resulting in inner peace replacing fear.

• Psalm 30:11–12 – “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness… O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever”biblehub.combiblehub.com. Transformation: David expresses that God transformed his sadness into joy (“mourning into dancing”). In response, David’s heart overflows with thanksgiving. Gratitude here is both a reaction to God’s deliverance and a means of fully embracing joy. By vowing to thank God forever, David shows how thankfulness sustains the joy that replaced his sorrow. His praise-filled gratitude cements the emotional transformation from grief to rejoicing.

Spiritual Transformation (Deeper Faith and Relationship with God)

• Luke 17:15–19 – One of the ten lepers, after being healed, “turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks”biblehub.com. In response, “Jesus said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well’”biblehub.com. Transformation: Gratitude was central to this man’s spiritual healing. All ten were cured physically, but only the thankful Samaritan received Jesus’ affirmation of saving faith. His thankful return to praise Jesus indicated a heart change and deeper faith. Jesus implied that this man gained something more – a spiritual wholeness: “There was an extra healing for this tenth leper… The other lepers had whole bodies, but sick hearts.”enduringword.com In other words, his grateful faith not only cleansed his body but also brought salvation and a restored relationship with God, whereas the others missed that deeper transformation.

• Colossians 2:6–7 – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”askaboutmyfaith.com Transformation: Thankfulness is portrayed as a byproduct of and catalyst for spiritual growth. As believers deepen their roots in Christ, their faith grows stronger and is marked by abundant gratitudeaskaboutmyfaith.com. This suggests that practicing thankfulness reinforces our faith. A grateful heart keeps us mindful of God’s goodness and sovereignty, drawing us into a closer walk with God. Thus, gratitude leads to a transformed spiritual life – one of deeper faith, steadiness in Christ, and continual awareness of God’s presence.

• Psalm 50:23 – “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”biblehub.com. Transformation: Here God promises that a thankful worshiper will see salvation. Offering thanks honors God and “prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation”biblehub.com. This implies that gratitude opens the heart to God’s saving work. In a spiritual sense, a grateful attitude “orders” our life correctly before God, leading to a greater experience of His salvation and deliverance. In sum, thankfulness paves the way for a transformed heart that knows God’s saving power more intimately.

Physical Transformation (Healing, Provision, Protection)

• John 6:11 – “Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated… so also the fish, as much as they wanted.”biblehub.com Transformation: Jesus demonstrates gratitude before the miracle of feeding the 5,000. His giving of thanks to God preceded the multiplication of the loaves and fish, providing abundant provision for the hungry crowd. This shows thankfulness leading to a tangible transformation of circumstances – from lack to plenty. The simple act of thanking God for the little they had invited God’s power to supply the physical needs of thousandsflbchurch.org. Our example is that faithful thanks, even in scarcity, can unleash God’s provision.

• Jonah 2:9–10 – “But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You… Salvation comes from the Lord. And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”biblehub.com Transformation: Inside the great fish, Jonah offered a prayer of grateful praise, even before his rescue: “With shouts of grateful praise, I will sacrifice to you… Salvation comes from the Lord”biblehub.com. Immediately after this thanksgiving proclamation, God delivered Jonah, commanding the fish to release him. Jonah’s gratitude in the darkest place preceded a dramatic physical deliverance from death. This illustrates how an attitude of thankfulness can invite God’s saving power into dire circumstances – turning near tragedy into rescue.

• Daniel 6:10, 22 – “[Daniel] got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10) Despite a royal ban on prayer, Daniel continued his habitual gratitude toward God. Later, after being thrown into the lions’ den, he emerged unharmed, declaring, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me” (Daniel 6:22). Transformation: Daniel’s unwavering thankfulness brought about divine protection. His grateful prayers demonstrated trust in God above all, and God miraculously saved him from deadly lions. Even the pagan king recognized God’s power: “He rescues and He saves”thewriteconversation.blogspot.com. Thus, in Daniel’s story, thankfulness under trial led to a powerful transformation of impending death into deliverance – a testimony to God’s protective intervention.

• Acts 16:25–26 – “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God… and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”flbchurch.org Transformation: In this instance of praise (an expression of gratitude) amid suffering, God intervened with a physical miracle. Paul and Silas’s thankful worship turned a prison into a place of freedom – literally opening doors and breaking chains. Their gratitude to God despite wounds and confinement led to an earthquake that transformed their situation from captivity to liberty. This not only freed them physically but also set the stage for the jailer’s conversion (a spiritual change), showing how thankfulness can trigger God’s power to heal, protect, and save.

Social Transformation (Reconciliation, Favor, Influence)

• Acts 27:35–36 – Facing a storm at sea, “Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all… then he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.”biblehub.com Transformation: Paul’s public expression of gratitude during a crisis had a profound influence on those around him. His calm thankfulness to God for the meal (despite the impending shipwreck) lifted the others from despair to hope. All 276 passengers “took heart” and followed his example of eatingbiblehub.com. The social atmosphere on the ship shifted from panic to encouragement. Paul’s thankfulness instilled confidence that God would deliver them, demonstrating how one person’s grateful faith can positively transform a whole group’s outlook and unity.

• Acts 2:46–47 – In the early church, believers met together “with glad and sincere hearts, praising God,” and as a result they were “enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”biblehub.com Transformation: Corporate gratitude and praise produced a social impact in the community. The first Christians’ joyful, thankful worship fostered unity among themselves and earned them favor with outsiders. Their gratitude to God was contagious, drawing others to them. Scripture notes that this environment of praise and thankfulness led to continual growth of the church, as more people were being saved dailybiblehub.combiblehub.com. In other words, a culture of thankfulness in the community helped bring about reconciliation between individuals and God, and also gave the believers a positive reputation, transforming their social standing and influence in society.

• 2 Chronicles 20:21–22 – “Jehoshaphat appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise Him… As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the [enemy]… and they were defeated.” Transformation: Here praise and thanks became a “weapon” that led to a national victory and peace. Judah’s army marched into battle thanking God for His love, and God turned the enemies against each otherflbchurch.orgbiblehub.com. This brought deliverance without Judah fighting at all. The social/national transformation was twofold: fear gave way to faith among God’s people, and neighboring nations stood in awe. This example shows gratitude to God helping reconcile and unite a people, while also granting them favor and influence over surrounding nations who witnessed God’s power.

Each of these examples underscores a principle: thankfulness is often the key that unlocks God’s transformative work. Emotional turmoil gives way to joy and peace, faith is strengthened, physical needs are met or miracles occur, and even social situations are changed – all when people choose to “give thanks in all circumstances” as God’s will for us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Bible consistently demonstrates that a grateful heart isn’t just an appropriate response to God’s grace, but a powerful force that God uses to change lives and situations for the better.

• Releasing Negative Emotions: Holding onto anger, resentment, and bitterness creates a heavy burden that hinders inner peace. Forgiveness is an active process of consciously releasing these negative feelings.
• Breaking the Cycle of Pain: Forgiveness can interrupt the cycle of anger and hurt, leading to a state of peace.
• Personal Growth and Healing: By choosing to forgive, you make room for healing and personal growth, enabling you to move forward without being defined by past pain.
• Reducing Stress: Research shows a strong link between forgiveness and reduced stress levels. This, in turn, can improve mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression.
• Improving Relationships: Forgiveness can help rebuild trust and open communication, fostering stronger and more supportive relationships. 
• The benefits of forgiveness:Forgiveness can lead to reduced stress, improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of inner peace and happiness. 
• Forgiveness and letting go: Forgiveness often involves letting go of the past and its associated pain, allowing one to focus on the present and future. 
• Forgiveness and personal growth: It can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation, helping individuals to heal, evolve, and move forward with a more positive outlook.

• Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the offense. It’s about letting go of the negative emotional and psychological impact of the offense on yourself.
• Forgiveness is a process that may require time and reflection. 

Forgiveness is for us, not for them. For us to heal and move on but I really cant seem to do it. I get so angry every time I see my mom and I stay angry for a while. I hate the feelings it brings out of me.

Now my parents weren’t physically abusive but they were so unhappy in their marriage and their lives, they accidentally created shit childhoods for us.

I never felt loved or seen, there was only judgement and a sense of burdening them. Mom was angry at everything I did, she constantly complained about everything. She was a SAHM who did nothing to better herself or take care of her kids but she was judging the entire universe.

I see the impact of her choices on me and I see how much her own insecurities affected me and I cant help but think – why, why didn’t you better yourself? You had a lifetime and nothing else to do

If you have felt a similar way, what were the things that helped you forgive your parents?

Forgiveness Is the Key to Unlocking Your True Peace

Everyone experiences hurt – an inconsiderate friend, a betrayal, or worse – and the weight of grudges can be heavy. Increasingly, psychologists and even neuroscientists are finding truth in an age-old wisdom: forgiveness is the key to inner peace. Letting go of anger and resentment isn’t just a moral ideal celebrated by spiritual traditions; it’s a practical strategy for emotional freedom, better health, and resilience. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” an ancient prayer intones, recognizing that forgiving others is crucial for our own well-being. Modern research agrees. Holding onto bitterness elevates stress, blood pressure, and anxiety, while choosing to forgive can lower stress hormones, improve mental clarity, and even rewire the brain for the better. This article explores forgiveness from a broad perspective – its psychological and physical benefits, its reflection in both secular and spiritual wisdom, and how real people have achieved personal peace by forgiving. By the end, you’ll see why turning the key of forgiveness unlocks true peace in your mind and life.

Why Letting Go is Good for You (Understanding Forgiveness)

Forgiveness is often misunderstood. It does not mean forgetting what happened, condoning the harm, or reconciling with an abuser. Rather, psychologists define forgiveness as a conscious choice to release feelings of anger, resentment, or vengeance toward someone who hurt you, whether they deserve it or not. It’s “replacing ill will toward an offender with goodwill,” as one Harvard expert puts ithealth.harvard.edu. In essence, you decide to cancel the “debt” of the offense so that it no longer controls your life. This act is fundamentally for your benefit – the other person may never even know you forgave them.

Why go through this difficult process? Because refusing to forgive keeps you stuck in a cycle of stress and pain. Ruminating over past wrongs triggers the body’s stress response each time: heart rate and blood pressure spike, muscles tense, and emotions churn with anger or sadness. Over time, this state of unforgiveness can take a serious toll on mental and physical health. In fact, remaining in a hostile, resentful state has been likened to a wound that never heals. “Feeling stuck in hostility can torment us mentally,” causing “intense rumination – a looping of negative thoughts”health.harvard.edu. We relive the hurt repeatedly, which impedes our ability to move forward. On the flip side, forgiveness allows us to finally exhale that toxic anger. It’s an emotional release – a way of saying “I’m not going to let this grievance dominate my life anymore.” As the Greater Good Science Center reports, forgiving someone engages brain regions that “empower you to step beyond painful experiences in an energized, motivated, and connected way.” It actually builds resilience and strengthgreatergood.berkeley.edu. In choosing to forgive, you free yourself from the grip of the past. The result is often a profound sense of peace and freedom, as countless individuals attest.

Psychological Benefits of Forgiveness (Healing the Mind)

Modern psychology has amassed substantial evidence that forgiveness benefits mental health. Whether through formal forgiveness training or personal practice, letting go of grudges has been shown to produce positive changes in mood and mindset. A 2023 multi-country study led by Harvard researchers found that when people actively learned how to forgive, they saw significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to a control grouphealth.harvard.eduwashingtonpost.com. In fact, forgiving was so impactful that researchers suggested it as a public health intervention for improving mental well-beingwashingtonpost.com. Here are some key psychological benefits highlighted by recent studies and experts:

• Less anxiety and depression: Across five countries, those who practiced forgiveness reported feeling less anxious and less depressed than beforehealth.harvard.edu. By releasing resentment, they alleviated emotional burdens that fuel mental distress. Other research concurs that forgiveness therapy leads to fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and greater feelings of hope for the futurepmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

• Reduced anger and stress: It’s no surprise that forgiving someone reduces anger – you’re letting go of the grudge, after all. But importantly, this also lowers chronic stress. Psychologists note that holding onto anger puts your body in a state of tension. When you forgive, you switch off that “fight or flight” response, often experiencing immediate relief and calm. Over time, this can break the cycle of rumination (repeatedly revisiting the hurt), which frees your mind to focus on more positive things.

• Improved self-esteem and mental clarity: Remarkably, studies have found that as people forgive, their self-esteem tends to risepmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Why? Forgiveness empowers you – you’re no longer a victim of the offense, but a victor over the negative emotions associated with it. This positive shift can boost confidence and clarity. Many report that after forgiving, they feel lighter, as if a mental fog has lifted. Decisions come easier, and they regain a sense of control over their emotions rather than feeling controlled by past pain.

• Greater resilience: Forgiveness doesn’t just help you heal from this hurt; it can build resilience to face future challenges. Brain imaging studies reveal that forgiving engages brain pathways associated with problem-solving, empathy, and emotional regulationgreatergood.berkeley.edu. Essentially, practicing forgiveness is like a workout for your brain’s “resilience muscles,” teaching you how to cope with adversity in a healthy way. Over time, people who cultivate forgiveness often bounce back faster from setbacks and exhibit more optimism in difficult situations.

In sum, forgiveness is therapeutic. As one researcher noted, “When we learn to forgive others, we simultaneously heal ourselves.”pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov By cleaning the wound of old anger, we prevent further infection of our psyche. What’s left is a mind at peace, better equipped to experience joy and engage fully with life.

Physical Health Benefits of Forgiveness (Healing the Body)

The body responds dramatically to our emotional state. Harboring grudges has been linked to physical stress ailments, while forgiving can trigger physiological healing. Science is now catching up to this wisdom. According to a review of studies, forgiveness contributes to lower blood pressure, better sleep quality, and even a stronger immune systemwashingtonpost.com. Here are some notable physical health benefits:

• Heart health and blood pressure: The act of forgiveness has a calming effect on the cardiovascular system. In moments of anger or recalling a grudge, your blood pressure spikes and heart beats faster. Chronic unforgiveness keeps you in this state, which over time can damage arteries and strain the heart. Forgiving, however, can “lower blood pressure and heart rate,” effectively reducing cardiovascular strainhealth.harvard.edu. Some studies found that people who let go of grudges showed improvements in hypertension (high blood pressure) readings. Simply put, a peaceful heart tends to be a healthier heart.

• Stress reduction and immunity: Emotional stress from resentment can suppress your immune function, making you more vulnerable to illness. By releasing resentment, you dial down the body’s stress hormones (like cortisol). Lower stress can improve everything from digestion to immune response. Many individuals report that after forgiving, they feel fewer physical symptoms of stress – for example, tension headaches or muscle pain might diminish as the body relaxes. Over the long term, this means fewer stress-related ailments. In fact, researchers in one study noted that people stuck in unforgiveness showed higher physiological stress responses, whereas those practicing forgiveness had more normalized stress levelshealth.harvard.edu.

• Better sleep and energy: Ever lain awake stewing over how someone wronged you? Grudges are exhausting. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is associated with better sleep. A 2019 study in Psychology & Health found that those who scored higher on forgiveness measures tended to have better sleep quality and less fatigue than those who held grudges. By resolving inner conflicts, forgiveness quiets the mind at night, leading to more restful sleep. In turn, improved sleep boosts your daytime energy and concentration. It’s a virtuous cycle: peace of mind yields peaceful sleep, which yields a healthier, more energetic you.

• Longer lifespan and overall wellness: While research is ongoing, some evidence suggests that forgiving might even contribute to longevity. Chronic anger and hostility have been identified as risk factors for health conditions that shorten life (like heart disease). Conversely, people who forgive more readily often have lower inflammation levels and healthier lifestyles (since they may cope through positive means rather than substance abuse or overeating out of stress). All these factors can add up to a longer, healthier life. As one health publication put it, forgiveness is “not just good for the soul,” it’s good for the body toohealth.harvard.edu.

The takeaway is clear: your body listens to your heart. By purging bitterness from your heart, you also purge toxins from your body. Medical clinics, including the renowned Mayo Clinic, now advocate forgiveness as part of a holistic approach to wellness, citing benefits like lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and reduced chronic pain. In summary, forgiveness is a mind-body medicine – free to use, with only positive side effects!

The Spiritual Dimension of Forgiveness (Universal Wisdom)

Even in a secular discussion, it’s worth noting that forgiveness has deep spiritual and cultural roots. Virtually every major religion and moral philosophy extols the virtue of forgiving others. This isn’t a coincidence; across time and culture, people observed that forgiveness leads to inner freedom and social harmony. For example, Christian scripture teaches, “Do not judge… do not condemn… Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37biblehub.com). In Judaism and Islam, forgiving others is highly honored, and withholding forgiveness is seen as corrosive to the soul. Buddhism advocates compassion and letting go of anger as a path to enlightenment. Secular humanist thinkers, too, recognize the transformative power of forgiveness in conflict resolution and personal growth.

What all these traditions share is the understanding that holding hate only hurts the hater. Forgiveness, by contrast, is often described as liberation. It frees your spirit from the burden of past injuries. Many who forgive describe feeling lighter or as if “a weight was lifted” off them – imagery common to spiritual rebirth. In a broader sense, forgiveness can also mend the social fabric. When we forgive, we break cycles of retaliation and revenge that cause endless suffering. This is why leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, though leading secular movements, spoke frequently about forgiveness and love as powerful forces for change.

Importantly, you don’t have to follow a particular faith to appreciate the inner transformation forgiveness brings. However, for some, spiritual beliefs can provide strength in the forgiveness journey. They might find it helpful to reflect on their own imperfections and how they’d want to be forgiven (echoing the Golden Rule). Others draw on concepts like karma or divine grace to release their grudges. Even without religious context, one might frame forgiveness as aligning with your highest self – choosing empathy and peace over anger. Ultimately, whether one views it as a divine command or simply wise living, forgiving others is a profound act of self-care and virtue recognized worldwide. It connects us to something larger – be it community, humanity, or a sense of higher purpose – by dissolving the walls that resentment builds between us.

Real-Life Story: Finding Personal Peace Through Forgiveness

To see how forgiveness can unlock true peace, consider the remarkable story of Mary Johnson. Mary is a woman from Minneapolis whose only son was tragically murdered in 1993 by a teen named Oshea. Understandably, Mary was consumed by grief and bitterness after her son’s death. “I was angry and resentful,” she admitted – the thought of forgiving the killer seemed impossible at first. Oshea went to prison, but Mary remained a prisoner of her own rage for over a decade. Seventeen years later, still without peace, Mary felt led to meet Oshea face-to-face. She says her faith and desire to move forward pushed her to do this. The meeting, held in the prison visiting room, was life-changing. Oshea sincerely apologized for what he had done and, with tears, asked Mary for forgiveness. In that pivotal moment, Mary chose to let go of the hatred she’d harbored. As they cautiously embraced, she recalls, “I just hugged the man that murdered my son… and I instantly knew that all anger and animosity… was over.”prisonfellowship.org The burden she’d carried for years melted away in an instant of mercy.

Mary Johnson’s act of forgiveness not only brought her inner peace – it also sparked an unlikely friendship. After Oshea served his sentence, Mary welcomed him back to society. In fact, he eventually moved into the apartment next door to Mary, with her blessingprisonfellowship.org. She began referring to Oshea as her “spiritual son,” saying, “I forgave him and gained a son”. In 2010, when Mary remarried, Oshea was even the one who walked her down the aisleprisonfellowship.orgprisonfellowship.org. The two now frequently share their story together at community events, showing the world that reconciliation and healing are possible. Mary went on to found an organization called From Death to Life, which helps others impacted by violence to find healing through forgivenessprisonfellowship.org.

Mary’s journey illustrates that forgiveness is not about the offender deserving it – it’s about you deserving peace. By forgiving the young man who took her son’s life, she released herself from a prison of bitterness. The transformation was tangible: her blood pressure dropped, her depression lifted, and she smiled again. “Forgiveness freed both the one forgiven and the one forgiving from the bondage of the past,” as one article noted about Mary’s experienceprisonfellowship.org. Indeed, both she and Oshea were able to move forward and find purpose beyond the tragedy. Not every story of forgiveness will end in such a beautiful friendship, but Mary’s example shows that even the deepest wounds can be healed. The key was her willingness to let go for her own sake, to trade rage for serenity. In doing so, she unlocked a life of peace that had been sealed away by resentment.

Forgiveness is the key – whether viewed through the lens of science, psychology, or spirituality, this truth stands. Letting go of anger might be hard, but it is one of the most liberating choices we can make. It clears out the negativity occupying our hearts and minds, making room for peace, joy, and connection. As you consider your own life, ask: is there a past hurt that still locks up a part of you? By turning the key of forgiveness, you open the door to freedom. The path may not be easy, but on the other side lies the true peace we all deserve. Embrace forgiveness – for your health, your happiness, and your future. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll step into the lightness and relief that comes from a heart unburdened, finally at peace. pureflix.comprisonfellowship.org