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We love, because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

1 John 4:19–21, LSB

As faith grows in our hearts, we are gifted by God not only with the forgiveness He gives us, but also with the capacity to forgive others. As Paul was imprisoned, He ministered to those guarding His cell and to the prisoners next to him. John did the same, as he would teach and sing hymns while imprisoned and suffered much in his life for the faith. We can find the same throughout history. It is hard to hate people you are praying for, even when you disagree with their behavior. Hate, however, is not equal to disagreement. It is not hateful to say sinful behavior is wrong. This is our calling, and speaking out about sin is an act of love as we seek to bring restoration to everyone. Yet, we are not to desire the death of another or find joy in their suffering; that is truly hate. As followers of Christ, our calling is to live out the Gospel and proclaim Christ to a world wandering in darkness, praying for more to come and know His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.