“I’ll forgive, but I won’t forget.”
We’ve all said it. And if we’re honest, most of the time it means, “I haven’t really forgiven you at all.”
Forgiveness is hard. Especially when the other person isn’t sorry. Especially when they’re still hurting you.
Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to serve the early church, along with Philip. The Bible describes him as “full of God’s grace and power.” He performed great wonders, and when he spoke, nobody could out-argue him.
That made some people very angry.
They dragged Stephen before the religious council and brought in false witnesses against him. Stephen answered with a powerful sermon, walking through the whole history of Israel. When he finished, the council was so furious that they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.
And while the stones were flying, Stephen fell to his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Not “get them, Lord.” Not “make them pay.” Just “forgive them.” The same thing Jesus said from the cross.
Standing nearby, holding the coats of the men throwing the stones, was a young man named Saul. The Bible says he approved of the killing.
Here’s the amazing part. God answered Stephen’s prayer. That young man, Saul, became the apostle Paul. The man who held the coats went on to write 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament.
So, what is forgiveness? Forgiveness is letting go of your right to get even, and asking God to do something better.
You never know what God might do with the person you forgive.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank-you for forgiving me for so much. Thank-you for giving me the forgiving heart of Stephen, so that I will let go of my grudges and pray for those who hurt me. Thank-you for what You can do with the people I forgive. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Wikipedia: Saint Stephen, Paul the Apostle, Christian martyrs
Look-It Up:
Stephen’s story is told in Acts 6:8–8:1.
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.
And Saul approved of their killing him.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Free Bonus:
Stephen is known as the first Christian martyr. His name comes from the Greek word stephanos, meaning “crown.”
The Feast of Stephen is celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas. It’s the day mentioned in the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas.”
Stephen served alongside Philip (see Pray 4 Boldness). And Saul, of course, became Paul (see Pray 4 Serenity).