A few weeks ago, I returned home to find a package addressed to myself. It was from an old friend I hadn't seen in years. She sent me a book called At the Master's Feet by Charles Spurgeon. I had never read anything of his, but the daily readings have been very encouraging and challenging. I will share the April 14 entry with you today:

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60

Certain tender hearts are not only surprised, but daunted and grieved by the world's opposition. Gentle, loving spirits, who would not oppose anybody if they could help it, keenly feel the wanton assaults of those whom they would rather please than provoke. The sensitiveness of love renders the choicest characters the most susceptible to pain under cruel opposition, especially when it comes from beloved kinsfolk. To those who love God and man, it is at times an agony to be compelled to appear as the cause of strife, even for Christ's sake.

He is most like God who loves most, and he has come nearest to the image of Christ whose heart is fullest of tenderness-the rougher spirits turn out to be rather dwarfs than giants in the kingdom of God. We must have backbone and must be prepared to contend earnestly for the faith; but yet, the more love we exhibit the better, and hence the more pain it will cost us to be continually at war with unloving spirits. This is a part of the tribulation we must endure; and the more bravely we face it, the more thoroughly shall we win the battles of peace and purity.

I suppose if we are to live life feeling the goodness and joy of love, we must also be prepared to feel the pain, sometimes agony of life as well. Sometimes it is tempting to just work, be nice, but develop 'thick skin' if you will. It is easier to hold people in contempt or ignore them than to love them as they are doing something that may hurt or disappoint you.

So, after reading this passage this morning, it helps me consider how this Ephesians verse really can be true of my life.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2