7. What outstanding prayer revealed Stephen’s love for the Jews who had condemned him to death? Acts 7:59-60.
NOTE: ‘[Jesus] gives us His example while dying on the cross: He there prays that His murderers may be forgiven. Stephen follows his Lord’s example: and he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. Are we ready to be tried by this test? It is a solemn question for each of us to answer, in the fear of God, and in view of eternity. We may never be called to show our love under such circumstances as they, but we ever have the privilege of proving to those around us what manner of spirit we are of, by exhibiting the spirit of our Saviour in the small matters which are constantly occurring. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10.’ James White: Review & Herald, March 6, 1856.
8. How did Paul express his understanding of this second principle underlying God’s law? Romans 13:8-10.
NOTE: ‘Wesley declared the perfect harmony of the law and the gospel. “There is, therefore, the closest connection that can be conceived, between the law and the gospel. On the one hand, the law continually makes way for, and points us to, the gospel; on the other, the gospel continually leads us to a more exact fulfilling of the law. The law, for instance, requires us to love God, to love our neighbour, to be meek, humble, or holy. We feel that we are not sufficient for these things; yea, that ‘with man this is impossible;’ but we see a promise of God to give us that love, and to make us humble, meek, and holy: we lay hold of this gospel, of these glad tidings; it is done unto us according to our faith; and ‘the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us,’ through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Great Controversy, page 263.