Forgiven. Now Forgive.

"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

Here I see a man so full of God's spirit, that even in the face of their hatred, he was able to exhibit TRUE love for them.   Stephen had the same spirit and love that Jesus did when he was crucified.  He was hated, mocked, stripped, whipped... but what was his response when he was hanging there on the cross? 

"Father, forgive them..." (Luke 23:34)

Do you realize how incredible the gift of God's love and grace towards us is?   We have rejected him, but he has accepted us. And not only that, but he doesn't hold our sins against us!  Sure, there's a cost to following Him, but it is the best decision you could ever make!  How often have we done wrong?  How often have we fallen? And yet, Jesus is there praying on our behalf!!  "Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:24)

Thank you Lord, for Your Holy Son Jesus, and for forgiveness.  Lord God, put your Spirit within me and empower me to have that same love for my enemies and persecutors as Jesus and Stephen had...