Stephen's Prayer for Compassion
Series: Prayers from the Bible
October 23, 2022
Frank Foreman
Years ago, boxer Mike Tyson once said regarding his opponents plan to defeat him in a match, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." In short, unexpected developments often throw off the best laid plans. ---------- Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourselves and show concern for our enemies. In truth, that can be our plan... to be compassionate to everyone in our sphere of influence. But, as Mike Tyson warned us, that doesn't always work out when we get punched in the mouth. ---------- It can be challenging to maintain a compassionate heart and attitude when the response is apathy, or worse than that, anger or bitterness. Yet, that is exactly the kind of person we are called to be in Christ. Not only did He set the perfect example of this, he provided examples of others who got "punched in the mouth" (actually much worse), and still remained compassionate through their persecution.
Episode Notes
Matthew 5:44-45a, But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in Heaven.
Big Idea: We cannot love our enemies in our own strength….
But through the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
1. Love your enemies by speaking the truth.
Acts 7:51-53, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
Ephesians 4:15, Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ….
John 8:31-32, So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
2. Pray for those who persecute you by offering compassion.
Acts 7:59-60, And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
1st John 4:4, Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Luke 23:34, And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide His garments.
Next Step: Be filled with the Holy Spirit through repentance and obedience.
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