Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Many in the early church were faced with death for their belief in Christ. Stephen was willing to die to share and defend the gospel. Most of us will never be asked to go to that extreme for our devotion to the gospel. May we each be willing to suffer whatever hardships we face so that Christ may be taught. May we never fall back from standing up for the Gospel and may we seek to share the Gospel that others may have the opportunity to come to know Christ.
Just as amazing as Stephen's willingness to die for the Gospel was his willingness to forgive those who had killed him. In Stephen's final words he asked that this sin not be held against them. Are we this willing to forgive those who wrong us in lesser things? May we also be willing to give forgiveness. May we not harbor a grudge. May we not seek or desire ill will for others, but seek and desire that which is to the benefit of others.
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