From my reading in Acts 7:44-60 in the One Year New Testament.
Jesus died with a heart full of forgiveness for those killing him.
Jesus looked out with compassion over the people who nailed him to the cross and said,
“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
That’s how much he cares. Even when he was suffering more than anyone had ever suffered he still loved those who caused his suffering!
Stephen, the the first Christian martyr, died like Christ.
“Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60
Even as Stephen was being killed he showed love and forgiveness. Without the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit overflowing in his life he wouldn’t pray this type of prayer!
Even as Stephen was being brutally killed God’s love poured out.
In order to die like Christ you must be filled with his love. Many people all over he world still face persecution and some even face death. It is true as many have said,
“The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church” Tertullian(2nd-century Church Father)
We should remember and honor those who have willingly laid down their lives so we can have access to the gospel.
We should be reminded of how Jesus never stopped loving us even when our sin placed him on the cross.
We should pray for and show love even to those who seek harm us for knowing Jesus.
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