Stephen’s Compassion
When I think of Stephen in the book of Acts, I think of an ordinary man with extraordinary compassion.
How like Jesus does Stephen seem, when we read this: "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." (Acts 7:59-60)
So like Jesus! Jesus, while they were crucifying Him, said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit," and He cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Stephen's faith had made him quite like Jesus. His deep faith had made him Christlike, even in his worst moment.
The Price of Unforgiveness
Stephen was not going to go to his grave bitter, resentful, unforgiving. He was going to go to his grave with grace - with mercy in his heart and forgiveness on his lips.
HB London, in a book called They Call Me Pastor, writes: "Those who do not forgive add anguish to their inner life. We all know individuals who have suffered years of self-imposed misery because they refused to forgive. Sometimes the people they found difficult to forgive have been dead for years. What torment. What imprisonment. What an agonising way to live."
Sadly, I have seen this in people. I have seen people refuse to forgive, and end up in a self-inflicted torture chamber. They get hard on the inside, and it shows on their face. Remember how Stephen's face was shining brightly because he was filled with the Spirit? The unforgiving person's face isn't like that. It's hard and harsh. It's a reflection of what's going on inside.
Dying with Grace
On the other hand, I have seen people who forgive freely, who love graciously, and who care deeply. Even when they're hurt - stoned by others, in a sense - they look at the very ones hurting them and recognise how much those people need God. Instead of holding onto bitterness and resentment, they forgive. They let it go.
Stephen could have died with fists and teeth clenched. He could have died with a shout of anger and anguish. But he died with a whisper of grace and forgiveness.
An ordinary man, with extraordinary compassion. This could be our story too. This must be our story too, friends.
Are you being held back in your spiritual life? Is there something seeming to block your way? Often, I speak to people who realise that resentment is the block. Perhaps you're stuck in an ordinary Christian life because your unforgiveness is preventing you from being full of the Spirit and power and love.
Don't do this to yourself. Find freedom by embracing forgiveness and compassion. Look how it freed Stephen, even to the point of his death.
Even as he was being stoned to death, Stephen prayed for his killers - a mirror image of Christ's own dying prayer, and a challenge to release any bitterness we may be carrying.