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As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died. Acts 7:59-60 NLT
Jesus came to earth preaching a message of love and forgiveness, even telling His followers, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
It’s one thing to love, forgive, and pray for those who love you, but Jesus called His followers to take their love and forgiveness to a radical new level. Moreover, He set an example when He hung from the cross, suffering unimaginable agony, and pleaded with His Father to forgive His tormentors (Luke 23:34).
Stephen, the very first of many people who would die for following and talking about Jesus, followed His example. Stephen’s very last words before he died were that God would forgive the men who were putting him to a grisly, agonizing death.
If you’re like most men reading this account, you probably find yourself wondering how you could ever do that.
When someone does you wrong, follow Jesus’—and Stephen’s—example of loving an enemy deeply enough to earnestly pray for him.
Prayer: Jesus, it’s extremely unlikely that I’ll face the kind of mistreatment Stephen faced in Jerusalem—or You faced at Golgotha. But when I am mistreated or slandered, help me to respond the way You did: with radical forgiveness.
Jesus came to earth preaching a message of love and forgiveness, even telling His followers, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
It’s one thing to love, forgive, and pray for those who love you, but Jesus called His followers to take their love and forgiveness to a radical new level. Moreover, He set an example when He hung from the cross, suffering unimaginable agony, and pleaded with His Father to forgive His tormentors (Luke 23:34).
Stephen, the very first of many people who would die for following and talking about Jesus, followed His example. Stephen’s very last words before he died were that God would forgive the men who were putting him to a grisly, agonizing death.
If you’re like most men reading this account, you probably find yourself wondering how you could ever do that.
When someone does you wrong, follow Jesus’—and Stephen’s—example of loving an enemy deeply enough to earnestly pray for him.
Prayer: Jesus, it’s extremely unlikely that I’ll face the kind of mistreatment Stephen faced in Jerusalem—or You faced at Golgotha. But when I am mistreated or slandered, help me to respond the way You did: with radical forgiveness.
