It was almost twenty years ago when I first heard the term schadenfreude on the television show Boston Legal. Since then, I’ve heard it a lot especially after an election with one side feeling that all is lost. Just as reminder, schadenfreude is taking joy or pleasure in another’s misfortune, such as losing an election or being indicted.

Schadenfreude has no place in the Christian heart or mind. We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, and love does not rejoice when evil happens. When we see misfortune happen to others, even to those we oppose with every fiber of our being, we should not sing and dance with joy. Instead, we should drop to our knees and weep for their misfortune praying it will lead them to God. Just as conviction and imprisonment led Charles Colson and Jeffery Dahmer to God and probably being accused of sexual misconduct led Russell Brand to be baptized, we have to hope that our enemies’ calamities will lead to opening their eyes. That is why, in spite of all the horrible and evil things Ghislaine Maxwell has done, I pray her time in prison will bring her to Christ. And I pray for those within and without who seek the destruction of my nation and my faith.

Throw schadenfreude from your heart and pray for all. Even those who make your skin crawl and the thought of them makes you ill with rage.

#Love, #PrayForEnemies