If you're like me, the focus of your vision moves closer -- I tend to look at what I fear, focusing on it, losing larger perspective. Stephen, in his final moments, refused to look at those who were threatening him, and fixed his eyes on heaven.
And in the midst of that awful moment, with his enemies gaining victory over him through their hate... Stephen prayer for forgiveness for them.
What an example for us all -- to pray that in that moment doesn't come naturally. No, forgiveness has to have so filled your heart that it overflows at such a moment. This is the work of years of conditioning to be grateful, to be wired to forgive. Stephen draws on this in his last moments.
May we focus on the forgiveness of Christ to such an extent that without thinking, in our best and worst moments, default to forgive, as Christ forgives us.
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