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."¹

How could Stephen pray for forgiveness on behalf of the people who were stoning him to death? The only explanation that makes sense is that Stephen knew what Jesus had prayed before he died on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

As believers, we must accept that forgiveness is the right response when someone hurts or disappoints us. Grace is not only the Lord's mercy toward us, it is also mercy flowing through us. Forgiving others is one of the characteristics that most closely resembles Christ. Harboring resentment or unforgiveness doesn't fit with the new Holy Spirit-filled person we become after receiving salvation.

What's more, we must remember that Jesus Christ didn't just die for your sin and mine. He also died for the sins of all those who have wronged us. Of course, no one claims that forgiveness is an easy thing to do. Some people hurt others so much that they don't seem to deserve forgiveness. But it's important to understand that giving mercy is far better than living with the weight of unforgiveness.

Feelings of bitterness, vengeance, and rage can corrode the spirit to the point of destroying health, and cloud our minds with gloomy thoughts. Unforgiveness was likened to drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Unforgiveness eats away at us from the inside out and we don't need to live like that.

The Holy Spirit helps us to forgive, he lovingly extracts our pain and those feelings of anger and betrayal, and then fills our hearts with mercy.

Today let us make the decision to surrender ourselves totally to God and wholeheartedly be able to say as Stephen did, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross and paying the price for my sins. Give me Stephen's character so that I can say with him, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them." Give me the gift of mercy, help me to renounce all anger and pain, and allow me to be freed from all the offenses that harden my heart. I want to live in freedom. Your Spirit is my strength, and Your life is my example. In your mighty name, Amen.

1.    Acts 7:59-60 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.