The mother of Xana Kernodle, Cara Northington, made a powerful declaration today in court in front of her daughter’s killer, Bryan Kohberger: Through faith in Christ, she has forgiven him.
Kernodle was one of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger in 2022. According to CBS News, Kohberger is to serve four life sentences without parole. This court sentencing comes after he pleaded guilty.
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It was Kernodle’s mother, Northington, who showed what Christ-like humility and forgiveness looks like while in court, facing Kohberger.
“Today I stand before you, the man who is responsible for murdering my beautiful daughter, Xana Kernodle,” Northington begins. “Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, now has her in His loving arms in heaven where she can never be harmed ever again for eternity.”
Northington then stated that her daughter was the reason she came to know Jesus, and through her relationship with Jesus, she now has the ability to forgive Kohberger.
“Because of her, I came to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of her, many will come to Christ. It is Christ who lives in me, that has given me the strength to forgive you. It was of no power of my own. In return, the Lord has filled me with joy, hope and peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus has allowed me to forgive you for murdering my daughter without you even being sorry or asking for this. This is only possible because He who lives in me is greater than any evil in this world.”
Northington further pointed out that ultimately, Kohberger will have to answer to God, and she hopes he would come to Him long before ever standing in His presence for judgment.
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Cara Northington’s bold act of forgiveness stands as a powerful witness to the transformative love of Christ. In the face of unimaginable loss, she chose mercy over vengeance, offering grace through the very faith that sustained her. Her words not only honored her daughter’s memory but also pointed a broken world to the healing power of Jesus—reminding us all that even in the darkest moments, light can still shine through. Pray for the families of the victims as they continue to mourn the loss of their children.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
