By Andrew Williams
“He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.” – Acts 7:60 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Acts 7:60 reveals the extraordinary grace that characterized Stephen’s final moments. As he was being stoned to death, he knelt down and cried out, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” This act of forgiveness, reminiscent of Jesus’ words on the cross, demonstrates the transformative power of God’s love and the depth of Stephen’s commitment to following Christ’s example. Even in the face of unspeakable violence, his heart was filled with compassion for his persecutors, and he pleaded for their forgiveness.
As a disciple of Christ, you are called to forgive others, even those who have wronged you, hurt you, or persecuted you. Forgiveness is not easy; it requires a conscious choice to release bitterness, resentment, and the desire for revenge. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, you are empowered to forgive as Christ forgave, to extend grace to those who do not deserve it, and to break the cycle of hate and violence. Forgiveness does not only free the offender but also sets you free from the bondage of bitterness.
This week, examine your heart for any unresolved anger, resentment, or bitterness. Identify anyone you may be holding a grudge against and make a conscious decision to forgive them. Pray for God to give you the strength and grace to release your hurt and extend forgiveness. Remember that forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice to obey God’s command and to reflect His love to others. If you are truly ready to forgive, redirect your focus from the wrong that was done.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Release me from the bondage of bitterness and resentment, and fill my heart with Your love and compassion. Give me the strength and grace to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged me, and help me to be a vessel of Your healing and reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
