The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione is a tragedy—both for the Thompson family, now robbed of a father and husband, and for Mangione himself, whose life is now a wreck of his own making. In a world already struggling to hold onto decency and civility, this crime is a jarring reminder of how anger, left unchecked, can erupt into violence.

There are two key lessons here: first, the absolute necessity of upholding the sanctity of human life, and second, the need for a deeper, systemic conversation about justice, stewardship, and responsibility in America.

The Sanctity of Life: A Core Principle

Murder is a grievous sin, plain and simple. The Bible is unequivocal on this: “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). Mangione’s actions are not just illegal; they are immoral, a direct affront to God’s design for life and justice. Vigilantism, no matter how “righteous” someone might feel, is not the answer to societal grievances. That kind of behavior leads to chaos and anarchy, not justice or change.

But the societal reaction to this tragedy is troubling in its own way. The chorus of online commentators “dancing on the grave” of a murdered man is a symptom of a deeper sickness in our culture: a lack of empathy and an erosion of moral grounding. As Christians, we are called to grieve with those who grieve (Romans 12:15), not to revel in the downfall of others, no matter how flawed they—or their corporations—may have been.

The Brokenness of the System

That said, the anger fueling this reaction is not without root. Stories of health insurance companies denying claims for life-saving treatments or turning vulnerable seniors away from care are heartbreaking. The system feels impersonal, unjust, and, in many cases, profit-driven. It’s no wonder that people are frustrated and desperate for change.

But frustration doesn’t justify throwing gasoline on the fire. As David Strom from Hot Air put it, “shooting people is not going to make things better.” It’s the ultimate childish response, like a tantrum with deadly consequences. Real change requires hard work, thoughtful reform, and perseverance, not violence and chaos.

This situation underscores a critical truth: greed and injustice are not exclusive to the private sector. Government-run systems, like those in Canada or Britain, have their own severe shortcomings, with long wait times and limited access to care. The solution isn’t to idolize one system over another but to address the root issues—costs, access, and accountability—in a way that prioritizes fairness, humanity, and stewardship.

What We Can Do

We have a responsibility to be part of the solution. Complaining about the system is easy, but rolling up our sleeves to improve it takes work. Here are a few practical ways we can make a difference:

1. Support Local Clinics: Many community health clinics provide essential care to the uninsured and underinsured. Volunteering time, donating resources, or simply raising awareness can help these organizations thrive.
2. Advocate for Common-Sense Reforms: Lobbying for transparency in healthcare pricing or working toward policies that reduce bureaucratic waste can make the system more equitable without veering into the extremes of socialism.
3. Promote Charity and Generosity: Christians are called to care for the sick and the needy. Supporting church-led health ministries or initiatives that provide free or affordable care aligns with our values and offers real help to struggling families.
4. Cultivate Empathy: We must reject the growing cultural trend of dehumanizing those with whom we disagree. Whether it’s the CEO of a massive insurance company or a young man lost in his anger, every soul matters to God.

A Call for Grace and Wisdom

This tragedy highlights the flaws in both individuals and institutions. Mangione’s crime cannot be excused, nor can the practices of companies that put profit over people. As Christians, we are uniquely equipped to lead with grace and wisdom in addressing both the brokenness of the system and the hearts of those who suffer within it.

Let’s remember the words of Micah 6:8: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” True justice, paired with mercy and humility, is what will lead to meaningful change—not violence, rage, or self-righteous posturing.

Let’s pray for healing—for the Thompson family, for Mangione, and for a nation that desperately needs God’s wisdom to navigate these troubled times.