"Do not foster hatred for the sinner, for we are all guilty...Hate his sins, and pray for him, so that you may be made like unto Christ, who had no dislike for sinners, but prayed for them." St. Isaac the Syrian

We serve the Lord, when we pray for those who are far from the Lord because of sin. We dishonor the Lord, when we hate any person, who is loved by God. God's grace is always available to each sinner, including ourselves. Jesus prayed for Peter, who would sin by betraying the Master. We are call to do likewise. After he sinned, Peter repented, because of Jesus' prayer. We are called to pray for those who persecute us, those who harm us, those who offend God by their actions. With the grace of God, we pray for their repentance and reconciliation. Our prayer for the sinner is like flood waters, lifting the person up to God.