A Collect to Respond to Evil with Good

Lord Jesus Christ, whose suffering brought the possibility of great good into the world, teach us to respond to abuse and contempt with goodness, that we might remain a light in the world as you were, highlighting the darkness that must be purged and drawing people toward the goodness into which you have called us all, through you who was raised to new life and now reigns in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen. ‘Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.’ – 1 Pet. 3:16-17