Acts 7
Stephen was being stoned. He had really done nothing wrong except to share his opinion of whom Jesus was, in the form of the Gospel.
And what a painful death he had to endure. Being hit by stones, until dying. Stephen actually died before he breathed his last.
Before he died physically, Stephen had died to self. He died to his selfish desires. He died to pride and earthly gains. Stephen did not care about his ego and worth. He faced danger and suffering squarely, so he could gain Christ.
And because Stephen loved God and His purposes more than his life, he was able to see beyond the pain inflicted on him. He saw the lost souls that were stoning him in their ignorance. He saw the sad fate awaiting them if they did not repent.
Knowing and loving God, Stephen knew God's heartbeat was for all to be saved, and none to perish. For this reason, Stephen thought it wise to ask God to forgive those stoning him. This was at the apex of his pain. He asked God to forgive those inflicting him with pain.
When we die to self, we put God first and others , second.
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