Friday, December 12, 2025
Forgiveness in the Face of Death
Acts 7:59-60; Luke 23:32-34
Stephen's final words echo Jesus' prayer from the cross: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." This wasn't natural; it was supernatural. Only someone "full of the Holy Spirit" could respond to murder with mercy. Stephen had so absorbed Christ's character that even in death, Jesus was visible in him. This is the ultimate test of Christlikeness—how we respond when we're wronged, betrayed, or attacked. It's easy to reflect Christ in comfortable circumstances. But do people see Jesus in you when you're under pressure? When you're criticized? When you're suffering unjustly? Your children, coworkers, and community are watching. They see the real you in crisis. Let Stephen's example challenge you: Am I so filled with Christ that forgiveness flows naturally, even when it costs me everything? That's the life that changes the world.
Acts 7:59-60; Luke 23:32-34
Stephen's final words echo Jesus' prayer from the cross: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." This wasn't natural; it was supernatural. Only someone "full of the Holy Spirit" could respond to murder with mercy. Stephen had so absorbed Christ's character that even in death, Jesus was visible in him. This is the ultimate test of Christlikeness—how we respond when we're wronged, betrayed, or attacked. It's easy to reflect Christ in comfortable circumstances. But do people see Jesus in you when you're under pressure? When you're criticized? When you're suffering unjustly? Your children, coworkers, and community are watching. They see the real you in crisis. Let Stephen's example challenge you: Am I so filled with Christ that forgiveness flows naturally, even when it costs me everything? That's the life that changes the world.
Posted in In Focus Devotionals
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