April 30th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS 

PRAY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF ENEMIES

Acts 7:59-60 (Read Acts 7:54-60) “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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.”   

The Jews were furious with Stephan and angry about his message. Stephans words cut to the depth of their heart, but in their unbelief, they rejected the only one through whom they could receive forgiveness for their sins. They rushed Stephan out of the city and stoned him to death. 

Our sinful human nature wants “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Retribution is man’s way of dealing with enemies. Rather than desiring a change of heart in our enemies, our sinful nature wants to humiliate, embarrass, demean, and ridicule.  

As Stephan was being stoned to death, he prayed a prayer similar to what Jesus prayed from Calvary’s cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Stephan prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”     Jesus, in His teaching taught His disciples to “pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28) and “love your enemies.” (Luke 6:35) In Romans 12:20-21, Paul wrote, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Prayer: Lord, give me a forgiving heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore,
That they may trouble us no more;  
We, too, will gladly those forgive  
Who hurt us by the way they live  
Help us in our community  
To serve each other willingly. 

Amen, that is, so shall it be,  
Make strong our faith in You, that we  
May doubt not but with trust believe  
That what we ask we shall receive.  
Thus in Your name and at Your Word  
We say, “Amen, O hear us, Lord!”  

Our Father, Who from Heaven Above // LSB 766 vs. 6, 9

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