While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” —Acts 7:59–60
There is no more credible evidence to the world that the gospel we proclaim is real than when we extend His forgiveness to others.
Ask the recent converts in the Santhal tribe in Nepal. When a woman in the tribe chose to follow Christ, her family and neighbors beat her to death. Police charged several people with her murder. However, Christians in the village expressed their forgiveness and asked that the charges be dropped. Amazed, many in the village turned to Christ. 1
Ask the apostle Paul to remember when he was watching over the coats of those who were killing one of those “blasphemers” named Stephen. Ask him about the words Stephen cried out above the noise of an afternoon stoning. What Stephen received from Christ, he extended to his murderers through Christ. Forgiveness in. Forgiveness out.
1 Religion Today Summaries, Wednesday, June 22, 2005. Religion Today Summaries is a publication of Crosswalk.com, a website provided by the Salem Radio Network.
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Choosing Forgiveness: Your Journey to Freedom ©2022 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
How have you extended forgiveness to others in your life just as Christ extended forgiveness to you?