We who are filled with the Spirit can live on a higher plane. If animosity, envy, ill-will, and jealousy continue, this internal bitterness will destroy one's communion with his Lord. It is evident that when the Spirit of God, living within a believer, is grieved, the believer feels the mood of the grief-stricken Spirit and shares in the misery. Because of it, fellowship with God is broken. In Luke 23, we see the Saviour hanging on the cross.
Thorns stick into the flesh surrounding the skull.
Spikes fasten Him to the tree. One sees a mutilated, mangled form suspended between heaven and earth. Had they crucified Him daily for the last 1,900 years, He would still pray for their forgiveness. If God expects us to forgive 490 times, then He too will always open His arms to those who come to Him with broken, heavy-laden hearts. Stephen had this spirit of forgiveness.