You never know when your worst enemy and most hostile persecutor will become your greatest spiritual ally and closest gospel partner. But how you respond to them when they are your enemy may very well determine if and when they come to know your Savior. Stephen’s gracious spirit as he was being stoned made a lasting impression on Saul, perhaps a haunting impression that was one of the keys to his conversion. The best chance of turning an enemy into a believer is by loving, serving and laying down your life for them, you know, the way Jesus did.
A Simple Prayer for Grace Under Fire:
God, dealing in a Christ-like way with those who are hostile to me is easier said than done. I read about the martyrdom of Stephen and nod approvingly, but it is much more of a challenge to live like that in the real world of my everyday faith. I ask you for a fresh dose of Christ-hearted grace today to respond to people who dislike me, who use me, and who abuse me as Jesus would if he were in my place. Through grace, perhaps they even may be transformed into my spiritual allies! Help me to live like the early believers did, even being willing to die living out the values of the gospel. Enable me to be the living proof of a loving God for those who need to be convinced of this Good News that you have sent me to proclaim.
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