Tim Allen, inspired by the example of Erika Kirk, forgave the man who killed his father 60 years ago.
The 72-year-old Home Improvement actor said he was “deeply affected” by Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness of Tyler Robinson at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday.
“When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ‘That man… that young man… I forgive him.’ That moment deeply affected me,” the conservative actor wrote in an X post on Thursday.
He added:
I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad.
I will say those words now as I type: “I forgive the man who killed my father.” Peace be with you all.
At age 11, Allen lost his father in a car accident in November 1964. Real estate agent Gerald M. Dick was driving his wife and a car full of children home from a football game in Colorado, when a drunk driver collided with him.
USA Today reported, “(He) broke his neck and died in my mom’s lap right there,” Allen said on a talk show in 2006. “As many times as I’d relive this – if you haven’t had a death in your family, I don’t suggest it – but it certainly changes every single thing. From your cells and DNA, it turns a different color.”
Allen said he “hated” November and the fall season ever since the accident and developed a feeling of guilt for not being present in the vehicle at the time.
“Every single thing in my life changed,” Allen added. “And I knew it the moment he was dead that he was dead.”
Now, because of Erika Kirk’s courageous Christian witness and brave example, Allen has finally embraced forgiveness too.
Robinson allegedly assassinated Kirk at a Turning Point USA event on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
On Sunday, September 21, Erika Kirk, in an emotional moment, forgave Robinson because it’s what Christ did, and Charlie would do.
“On a cross, our Savior said, ‘Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.’” she said. “That man [who killed my husband] … I forgive him.”
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus delivers the Lord’s Prayer:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.” (Emphasis added.)
No one deserves forgiveness. And forgiveness isn’t easy. But it’s made possible by Christ’s example and the Holy Spirit’s power.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Therefore, we must – by the power of the Holy Spirit – forgive those who sin against us, as Christ has forgiven us.
When we do, we have no idea how God might use it to accomplish His purposes, and to spur others to embrace forgiveness too.
Erika Kirk’s beautiful example led to Tim Allen’s choice to forgive. Such is the power of one act of Christ-like forgiveness.
Is there anyone you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from? If you’d like to talk with someone about how you can forgive others, please give us a call.
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Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
Finding Freedom Through the Art of Forgiveness
What Does Forgiveness and Restoration Mean?
Understanding Forgiveness: When You Don’t Know How
Finding Peace Through Forgiveness
Grasping the Power of Forgiveness
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