We know that followers of Christ are called to be people who forgive. While this is true, forgiveness can sometimes be easier to talk about than to actually put into action. Despite these things, Jesus set the prime example for us when he even forgave the people who were killing him on the cross. Stephen also followed this example of Jesus when he forgave people who were actively stoning him and killing him for his faith.
Stephen became the first martyr, or person to die for their faith in Jesus in Acts 7. He had boldly proclaimed his faith in Christ, and religious leaders of his day were not happy. Ultimately, they picked up stones and threw them at him. We actually know his last words as stones were being hurled at him. Now, if it were me, I would be praying only for myself. I would not be praying for the people actively trying to kill me. Stephen did something radical. He prayed for the very people killing him, just like Jesus did. He said, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” (verse 60). This, my friends, is profound forgiveness. This forgiveness only comes from God. Stephen had God’s love for these people because he knew that they were lost and needed Christ, and because of this love, he forgave.
Stephen’s example is a model for us. When people respond negatively, hurt us, or even persecute us for our faith, we, too, can follow his example. Out of God’s love and compassion for others, may we extend the same forgiveness when others hurt us, remembering that every person needs the hope that Jesus has to offer. As the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Take a few minutes to pray. Ask God to give you a heart of compassion and forgiveness, especially towards the people in our lives who are difficult to forgive. Then, as God gives you opportunities to show forgiveness, extend that forgiveness today.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
