What have you had to sacrifice for this gospel?
Stephen knows a thing or two about sacrifice.
He is known as the first martyr following Jesus’s resurrection.
He sacrificed his life because he would not move from what he believed.
So what have you had to sacrifice?
Friends?
A certain lifestyle?
Family?
Money?
Time?
Energy?
It’s a sacrifice to be “all in” with this gospel.
Sometimes we get a nice groove going, where we are focused on the fun and joy.
And other times we are painfully aware of what we are sacrificing.
But here’s where I think Stephen teaches us a valuable lesson.
His last words were:
“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” (Acts 7:60)
Stephen sacrificed with a spirit of forgiving and love.
We are all sacrificing…
But HOW are we sacrificing?
Is it with resentment?
It is longing for things we are missing?
Is it self-pitying or self-righteous?
Or do we GLADLY sacrifice?
Out of love for the Lord and for those around us.
Not holding resentment for anyone.
Maybe even forgiving others for forcing us down paths that require a lot of sacrifice.
“The more I cheerfully respond to difficult circumstances with faith in the Lord, the more I grow in my discipleship.” —Elder Isaac K. Morrison
I want to follow noble Stephen’s lead in taking whatever comes my way, joyfully sacrificing whatever needs to be sacrificed out of love for God, and freely forgiving those who force the sacrifice upon me.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
4 Responses
“His last words were: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” (Acts 7:60)”
I’ve missed this every time I’ve heard about his martyrdom.
“We are all sacrificing… But HOW are we sacrificing? Is it with resentment? It is longing for things we are missing? Is it self-pitying or self-righteous? Or do we GLADLY sacrifice? Out of love for the Lord and for those around us. Not holding resentment for anyone.”
I stand accused!
Too often, willing to give but pouting in my heart.
Or giving service to family yet being self-pitying. Ouch.
Serving, but with some lingering resentment
(why do I have to cook again tonight?)
instead of with the pure love of Christ.
Great insight.
Time for some repentance here.
<3 Thank you for sharing!
Really good insight.
Thank you!