Have you ever had to forgive someone for a wrong that you knew you didn't deserve? How hard was that? As we read today's passage, and we see the compassion that Stephen showed to those who stoned him to death, we need to stop and reflect on how incredibly hard this attitude of love and forgiveness would be without Jesus' saving grace and mercy.
Stephen says "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" How could he say that? Particularly as Saul, who was the leader of the Pharisees in their mission to enforce law and quell the uprising of this new sect, was so fierce in his hatred and zeal toward Christians: "Saul began to destroy the church." The word 'destroy' says it all. Saul hated the church.
Saul hates Jesus, but Jesus loves Saul. What does Jesus do in the face of such hate and anger? He says "come, drink from the living water I give you. You will never thirst again. Worship the Father in the spirit and in truth. (John 4)"
And we know that Saul became Paul, one of the most influential leaders of the early church. But he never forgot what he was like without Jesus:
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (I Timothy 1:15-16)
What works better, forgiveness or revenge? Revenge is so tempting, isn't it. We want to even the score, to make the other person feel the hurt that we have felt. But it doesn't ever work. Take a few minutes and meditate on these passages, and ask God to give you Stephen's heart, a heart that longs for everyone to know the true God who calls us out of a life of sin into a life that serves God.
Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matthew 5:38-39 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Luke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
