Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show after a six-day suspension by ABC, following backlash to his remarks about the murder of activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension stemmed from pressure by the FCC and media affiliates who preempted the show for being “insensitive.” Even after reinstatement, powerful affiliates such as Nexstar and Sinclair continue refusing to air the program.
Why was Kimmel suspended in the first place? According to the BBC, Jimmy Kimmel's ABC suspension was provoked by the comment that the "MAGA gang" was "desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them" and of trying to "score political points from it". Such comments not only led to his suspension but also kept his show off the air even after his reinstatement. Talk about watching the words you say in public!
Whether Kimmel's comments were "right or wrong" isn't necessarily the issue, but it does point to the bigger cultural reality. In a world where networks and corporations control the microphones, voices can be silenced. Media gatekeeping, cancel culture, and censorship aren’t new, but they are amplified in today’s age.
If earthly powers can silence broadcast voices, how does our confidence in God’s truth—and in Jesus as the ultimate “Word made flesh”—sustain us when we face pressure or censorship for speaking boldly?
The Power of God Can Never Be Silenced
Biblically speaking, we know that this earth is not our home. While we are to respect human authorities, Jesus Himself is the eternal Word of God that cannot and never will be silenced (John 1:1, 14). Being careful with the words we say matters to God. It also matters to those around us. In word, deed, and action, we are representatives of Christ.
Second, we are called to speak in Jesus' Name, even when and if authorities tell us otherwise. Obviously, Kimmel's words were raw and unfiltered. They wouldn't pass this test. But my point is this: Just as the Apostles were commanded not to speak in Jesus' name, we, too, can reply: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:18-20, paraphrased). When networks pull air, we can still speak and stand for Christ's truth.
Friends, the word of God is not chained (2 Timothy 2:9). While human voices may fade, be limited, or even censored, God's Word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Media corporations can cancel a show. Comedians and television hosts can be suspended. Governments can pass speech restrictions. Social media platforms can suspend and block accounts. But no power can silence God's Word. And that Word lives in us, His people.
Historically speaking, the Bible has been banned in nations. Preachers have been imprisoned, believers have been mocked, and missionaries have been murdered. The life of many Christians isn't just a declaration; it's often a death sentence. And yet, the Gospel continues to spread.
On this side of Heaven, Jesus promised persecution, hardship, and opposition (John 15:18-20), but He also promised His Spirit would give us words to say, especially when we need them most (Luke 12:11-12). If you're struggling with these recent events, I want to challenge you with 2 things:
1. Don't get caught up in the drama.
2. But do shift your gaze to what you can do amidst these situations.
How Do We Respond?
How do we practically respond?
First, remember to anchor yourself in God's Word. Instead of focusing on trending soundbites and debates, make Scripture your firm foundation. It's okay to be in the news, but make sure you're grounding yourself in the Word above all. Plant yourself firmly, as Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17:8 reference, and dig deep roots: "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2:6-7, Berean Standard Bible).
Second, when given the chance to speak out, speak with grace and courage. I'm not saying that you can't stand up for what's right. You absolutely should and can. What I'm saying is that our speech should be delicate and gracious, yet also unashamed of truth. Colossians 4:6 says it this way: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (NIV).
Next, expect opposition and enemies. This part of standing for truth sucks. Oh, how we wish everyone agreed with us and saw the Gospel for what it's worth. But don't be surprised when the world resists your Christian voice. Opposition is a confirmation, not a cancellation of God's calling. And that affirmation or reaffirmation is a good thing. John 16:33 offers these profound words of comfort: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (NIV).
Finally, remember to pray for discernment. Ask God when to speak, how to speak, and when to be silent. Just like Christ was silent before Pilate (Matthew 27:14), there may be times when it's best to hold your tongue. This communication is between you and God, and He will give you the words to say when the time is right. As Ecclesiastes 3:7 references, “[There is a time] to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak” (NIV). Discerning this difference is difficult, but possible through the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Stand
Today, Christ is calling all of us to take a stand. The world may pull a program from the airwaves, but that's a human authority. No earthly authority can pull God’s truth from eternity, and that's what matters most. Because it's not whether we're heard that's in question—it's whether Christ is proclaimed.
Remember, the words you say are valuable. But are you speaking words that will birth light or condemn it? Are you building others up or tearing them down? God wants to speak through you. Will you allow Him room?
Let Proverbs 18:21 be our prayer today: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (NIV). The words we speak have immense power. But our words only have value and a greater impact if they are aligned with the Words of Christ that He's given us to say. Let's not get distracted by earthly affairs, but rather focus our sights on eternal values to come.
A Prayer for the Courage to Speak Truth
Dear God,
We live in such a messy world full of violence, opposing opinions, and chaos. When the world silences voices, remind us that you and your Word can never be silenced. May events like these not cause us to be divided, but united in your power. Give us courage like your Disciples to speak truth, no matter what we face. With boldness, grace, and wisdom, show us when to speak and when to stay silent. Protect those of us facing persecution or censorship in your name, and may we rest in you. Use us, Lord. Speak through us. Make wrongs right. Have your way. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: :©GettyImages/Nanci Santos
