Forgiving those who persecute.



Acts 7:55–60

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. ... While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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.

Stephen was the very first martyr — the first Christian to die for believing and proclaiming Jesus. In the moments before his death he did something strange: he forgave those who took his life.

He sounds like Jesus.

I don't anticipate you will face what Stephen faced. I don't know what persecution might look like for you... but I do pray that when you face it

You sound like Jesus who spoke when suffering for you:

Father, forgive them.

Why is it so difficult to forgive those who intentionally harm? How does the cross make it possible to do this?

 

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