Letting Go

One of the greatest challenges for the believer is to fully and completely follow the example set by Jesus. As long as everything is going our way, this is not problem. However, as soon as things get difficult, as soon as someone mistreats us, as soon as the storms of life begin to blow, this becomes a far more difficult challenge.

When we look at Scripture we will discover that the early believers, though they struggled at times, set a pretty good example for us to follow. Very early in the life of the church we see these followers reflecting the heart and compassion of Jesus Christ. In Acts 7 Stephen begins to make his case for Christ. He begins tracing salvation history from the time of Abraham. He concludes his argument with an accusation, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit” (v. 51). As accurate as this accusation was, the people did not receive it in the least.

We are told that those to whom Stephen was speaking, “Cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him” (vs. 57-58). As interesting as their reaction is, it is not the most interesting part of the story. Stephen’s response is far more intriguing. The Bible says that, “falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (v. 60).

Where did Stephen find this strength? How is it that with his dying breath he asked God not to hold such a sin against his murderers? Stephen was just following the example set by his Lord. Jesus, while dying on the cross prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

We must follow the example of Christ just as Stephen did. When we find ourselves in trying times, when people hurt or accuse us, when people say false things about us, we must show the same grace and compassion that our Lord Jesus Christ did. We must make it our ambition to reflect all that Christ was about. Be careful not to allow personal ambition or rights to get in the way. Avoid to temptation to hold on to every offense and the desire to right every wrong. Walk in the freedom of forgiveness.