8. How did the deacon Stephen show that he was truly a child of God? Acts 7:59-60.
NOTE: ‘As Christ prayed for His enemies who nailed Him to the wood, and as Stephen prayed for his cruel murderers, “Father, forgive them,” so let us daily nourish patience, forbearance, compassion and love; and as trials encompass us around, strength and grace will be granted. Then we, triumphant over self, banishing malice and pride, love being the ruling principle of the heart, will love our enemies, and from the heart will pray, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”’ J. Clarke: Review & Herald, September 3, 1857.
9. How did Jesus identify those who are genuinely the children of God? Matthew 5:9. Compare 1 John 3:10-11.
NOTE: ‘The manifestation of hatred never breaks down the malice of our enemies. But love and kindness beget love and kindness in return. God allows the sunshine and the showers to fall upon the just and the unjust, bringing alike worldly prosperity to both. If a holy God exercises such forbearance and benevolence toward the rebellious and the idolatrous, how necessary it is that erring man should manifest a like spirit toward his fellow-men. Instead of cursing those who injure him, it is his duty to seek to win them from their evil ways by a kindness similar to that with which Christ treated them who persecuted him. Jesus taught His followers that they should exercise a Christian courtesy toward all who came within their influence, that they should not be forgetful in deeds of mercy, and that when solicited for favours, they should show a benevolence superior to that of the worldling. The children of God should represent the spirit that rules in Heaven.’ Redemption, page 76.