Character like Christ
Scripture Reading: Acts 7:57-60
Cowboy Wisdom:
"The measure of a man ain't how he acts when folks treat him right—it's how he acts when they treat him wrong. That's when true character shows."
The most wonderful thing about Stephen was his character—he had a heart like the Lord's heart. Even as stones rained down on him, he cried out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" and then, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"
Like a seasoned trail boss who shows the younger hands how it's done, Stephen showed us what Christ-like faith and forgiveness look like. His last words echoed Jesus' own words on the cross. He trusted God just as the Son of God trusted His Heavenly Father. He was willing to die for Jesus because he knew Jesus had died for him.
And standing there in the crowd, giving approval to Stephen's death, was Saul of Tarsus—who would become the great apostle Paul. God answered Stephen's prayer to forgive his murderers. Faith like Stephen's is contagious, and forgiveness like Stephen's is contagious. It can help reach the hardest cases.
Questions for Reflection:
Do I have the kind of faith that trusts God even in the face of suffering or death?
Who do I need to forgive today, even if they don't deserve it or ask for it?
Am I living in a way that makes my faith contagious to others, especially to the "hard cases"?
Prayer Focus:
Pray for a heart like Christ's—full of faith and forgiveness. Ask God to help you trust Him completely and to extend grace to those who hurt you, knowing that your witness could change lives.
