Forgiveness Part 4

Stephen is an example of forgiving others completely.

Stephen was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost.

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." - Acts 6:8

There were some that rose up against Stephen, disputing with him, stirring up the people, bringing him to the council, and setting up false witnesses against him.

When Stephen gave his testimony of Jesus, the leaders were furious and went into a rage. They threw him out of the city.

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60

{“fell asleep” = he died, but would awake to life in the resurrection}

Stephen was innocent, yet they killed him. He did not ask God for justice. In fact, Stephen went beyond forgiving the people that stoned him to death: he asked God to not charge them with this sin.

Stephen did not want God to take vengeance on these people for their sin against him – Stephen wanted God to totally erase this from their record, not charging them for his murder.

This is mercy. This is true forgiveness.