“Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some… rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. They secretly instigated men who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses…
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him… And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 6:8,10-13a; 7:54-60
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'” Luke 23:34
Stephen was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and these drove his righteous heart and bold actions. If life was to be spent for Jesus’s sake, with every breath he would proclaim and practice Christ’s gospel. Astonishing and convicting as it is, Stephen’s prayer and expression of forgiveness were the spontaneous outflow from the exchanged life of a sinner saved by grace. His act was no conjured up have-to from a thoughtfully-prepared end-of-life list, but a natural expression of who he was. (Acts 6:5; Galatians 2:20)
Many carry bitterness and hunger for revenge, and we never know when the end may come. Forgiveness is a command for God’s children, not an option. We who have acknowledged receiving forgiveness understand the cost paid at Calvary, and will necessarily apply it in our own situations and relationships. If we find it hard to extend forgiveness and fully let go of others’ offenses and pain inflicted against us, we must discern whether we have grasped the extent of Christ’s sacrifice. If He gave His life in excruciating death for us, how can we not, by an act of will, release the vengeance we nurse unto His spilled blood? Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35)
Forgiveness gives immediate way to freedom. Humility replaces pride, love with grace replaces bitterness and anger. Forgiveness inspires others, motivates gospel living, and honors God. Why wait? (Acts 8:1-8)
Whom is God asking me to forgive, once for all? Will I exercise the courage to voice it and release all anger and resentment, and shut the door forever? Whose impressionable mind and spiritual progress has been hampered due to my bitterness and revenge? What renewal, joy, and healing await the life of my forgiving prayer? (Romans 12:16-19)
Lord, help me magnify Your grace by loving others afresh and fully forgiving, in Your name and for Your sake.
As the rain and snow 