Day 162 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8, Acts 7:54-60, Psalm 129 and Proverb 17:1 
A person's last words sometimes tell us a lot about him/her. In Stephen's case, he is being pummelled by large rocks thrown at him with the velocity of baseballs. His bones are breaking, blood is everywhere, bruises are rapidly forming on his skin. Yet out of the angry, noisy mess comes a request for forgiveness. Incredible! Only God can give us a love like that.
"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." – Acts 7:60 (English Standard Version)
"Father God, give me the patience and love for my enemies that Stephen showed so vividly. Forgive me when revenge comes so easily, and words of hatred spring out without a thought. You've told us difficult times would come; I don't know why they surprise me ... but they do. Give me words of grace and forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen."
