Acts 7:60

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, " Lord, do not charge them with this sin. " And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

1. Forgiveness takes three forms

1. Ultimate and complete forgiveness can only come from God. Only God can forgive sins.

2. We can forgive the wrongs of others against us. Jesus did this on the cross. Stephen does this as he is dying. This forgiveness expresses the attitude of the one wronged, but does not absolve the wrong doers.

3. We must realize our sins, repent and seek forgiveness from God and those we have wronged. For most of us, forgiving ourselves is most difficult.

2. Stephen expresses an attitude of forgiveness toward those who are attacking him.

3. He fell asleep - He died. We often use euphemisms (soft words) to express distasteful thoughts. Jesus told his apostles that Lazarus was resting. The apostles thought that was good news, that he was getting well. Then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (John 11:11-14)