Jesus set the example as he prayed from the cross, Stephen followed that example in Acts 7:59
Quote:
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And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 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.
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Stephen was not looking at an OPTION to forgive he was carrying out the command to forgive.
Forgiveness or our neighbor (image of God) is a CHOICE based on God's forgiveness of his elect. There is no need for a qualifier.