The Bible says that Satan has evil schemes to outsmart us, but we are familiar with them.
One of these schemes is unforgiveness.
When we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus for the
remission of our sins, Jesus has forgiven us of all our sins. Instead of
requiring justice, Jesus has erased them from our account. In order for us to keep
our sins erased from our account, we must forgive likewise. Complete
forgiveness is when we ask God to erase from their account what someone has
done to us.
This is the kind of forgiveness that Jesus gave when he was
dying on the cross.
"And when they were come to the place, which is called
Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand,
and the other on the left.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not
what they do.
“And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke
23:33-34 KJV
Stephen also gave complete forgiveness.
"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great
wonders and miracles among the people.
“Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called
the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them
of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen." - Acts 6:8-9 KJV
These men falsely accused Stephen, stirred up the people, brought
him before the council, then set up false witnesses against him. (Acts
6:11-14).
"Then said the high priest, Are these things so?"
- Acts 7:1 KJV
Stephen then testified. (Acts 7:2-53).
The council was furious, stoning Stephen to death.
“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 [died]." -
Acts 7:60 KJV
Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth,
"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 KJV
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