Amazing Words of Forgiveness

He knelt down and shouted, "Lord, don't blame them for what they have done." Then he died. (Acts 7:60)

A prayer for you: Dear Lord, let us have the love to be able to forgive those who cause us harm. Let us see them in as much need of love as we are and share a compassion and mercy for them as we need ourselves.

I am not the only person who struggles with this episode. It’s all well and good our Saviour able to utter those words of mercy on those crucifying Him on a tree. It’s alright for Him, He’s the Messiah. For Stephen to utter these as his final words on earth whilst being battered to death by his accusers really points out that what the Teacher can do his students are capable of doing it as well. When I’m bombarded from left, right and centre from forces and people I know my natural reaction is to retaliate or hibernate. To have the Spirit-filled character of Stephen and even graciously look to God to forgive the tormentors is a step of maturity that I would love to attain. To be so focussed on God that the reality of spiritual warfare having nothing to do with personality and everything to do with spiritual forces at work points me to a desire to share this ability and overcome evil with good.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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