Acts 7:59, 60 (NASB)
They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.
A Theme to Remember:
To forgive those who abuse you – even to the point of murder – is an act that we first witness in the loving words of Jesus as He hung on the cross. What He was able to do as God, we are capable of by the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, we are all sinners and the mercy shown to us by God will reflect the generosity we demonstrate to others.
Words to Remember:
I have committed my cause to the great Judge of all mankind, so I am not moved by threats, nor are your swords more ready to strike than is my soul for martyrdom.
–Thomas à Beckett