“Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” – Acts 7:60, NIV
In the narrative of Stephen, we find a profound example of forgiveness amidst persecution. Stephen, known for his fervent preaching and unwavering faith, faced relentless opposition. Despite his innocence, he was subjected to a sham trial and ultimately met a brutal end at the hands of his adversaries.
Yet, in his final moments, Stephen’s response was not one of bitterness or retaliation. Instead, he exemplified the essence of true forgiveness by uttering a prayer for his persecutors, echoing the very words of our Savior on the cross.
It’s easy to harbor resentment when we’re wronged, to nurse our wounds and seek retribution. But Stephen’s example challenges us to transcend our natural inclinations and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness.
Imagine extending grace to those who have hurt us, whether it’s a minor offense or a profound betrayal. What if, like Stephen, we chose to intercede for our adversaries, to earnestly pray for their well-being despite the pain they’ve caused us?
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
In moments of hurt and indignation, grant us the strength to emulate the spirit of Stephen. Help us to resist the temptation to retaliate and instead choose the path of forgiveness. We acknowledge the difficulty of this choice, yet we trust in Your grace to empower us.
Lord, we lift up to You those who have wronged us, those whose actions have caused us pain and sorrow. Though our hearts may be heavy, we release our grievances into Your hands. Grant us the humility to forgive as we have been forgiven.
May Your love soften the hearts of our adversaries, leading them to repentance and reconciliation. And may we, in turn, experience the liberating freedom that comes from releasing the burden of unforgiveness.
In the name of Jesus, who taught us to forgive without reservation, we pray. Amen.
Let us remember Stephen’s legacy not only as a martyr for the faith but also as a beacon of forgiveness in the face of adversity. May his example inspire us to choose forgiveness, to extend grace abundantly, and to embody the love of Christ in all that we do.
Blessings,
Pastor Stephan
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