Acts 7:60 (ESV)
And 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.
“I cannot forgive” is a very familiar statement in many conflicts. Unforgiveness is one of the roots of the depravity of man. Bitterness grows into revenge and is deadly. A bitter heart devours and eats off joy. It spares no mercy to others and silently kills the self. Unforgiveness may be subtly hidden in quiet resentment.
Courageous Stephen exhibited the power of forgiveness at the merciless stoning of his life. Instead of dragging the unforgiving spirit along in this cruel death, he released himself into peace with a cry to God to forgive his enemies. The loud chaos of the commotion could have drowned that weak dying spirit. He followed the precedence of his Saviour Jesus, to face death with a challenge. To release forgiveness before surrendering unto death. Yes, it takes a plethora of courage to forgive and even more grace to plead for mercy from God to forgive them. A double barrel grace. Grace to forgive on his accord and grace to call for God’s mercy for them. So weak in the eyes of the public yet so strong to open the door for salvation.
His death pivoted into a new eventful chapter for the early church. Paul who was present and approved of his death was pompous and actively persecuted the church (Acts 8:1). Persecution did not deter God’s work. Scattered apostles fought on fearlessly. God’s spirit never abandoned his people. That embedded strength of forgiveness called in by Stephen set the spiritual atmosphere and pace for many to believe and be baptized including Paul the great persecutor of the church (Acts 9:18).
The crooked world revels in getting even. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”. Wrongs shall be avenged. To forgive and let go of an offense is a sure sign of weakness. A big time loser. Interestingly, God teaches us otherwise, “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13) Forgive because we’ve been forgiven. Our inner man screams hysterically, “forgiveness is not easy.” No one says it is. But we must. Forgiveness is a command. Forgiveness is also a gift – to others who may not deserve it, and a sure gift to the self. Forgiveness is the key we hold to open the cage of bondage. Caged birds are set free when the door of the cages are unlocked. Do not confine ourselves in the cage. Do not be deceived and underestimate the power of this embedded strength.
Unforgiveness lurks in our midst finding faults with menial mistakes through outstanding offenses. We may not stone our enemy. Family feud, sibling rivalry, work wars, friendship tension and even church conflicts. Instead of forgiving, many offended Christians rather disobey Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Pain is inflicted on all parties. The devil claps his hands victoriously and laughs in mockery.
Search out our hearts for any and every seed of bitterness which manifest its fruit of unforgiveness. Uproot it with God’s strength. Cry out like Stephen. Release ourselves and others from this hidden pain. You and I hold the key to the door of breakthrough where we stand.
Keep a short account with God and people.
There are two dynamics to forgiveness. Two simple phrases but not easy to say for many.
Practice it well and we’ll live a simple life free from offenses.
“I forgive you.”
“Will you forgive me?”
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 22 May 2020.