I have long told my children to be careful when someone else gets into trouble not to be make fun of them or enjoy it when an enemy suffers. The second half of this verse says this, "You will be punished if you make fun of someone in trouble." I think that's good outside motivation to not make fun of someone having a hard time, especially if they have brought it upon themselves.
But I think God loves a deeper motivation for not being happy about others' troubles. That's why I teach my children and those to whom I minister about 1 Corinthians 13:6. "Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil." the Love which God gives us through the Holy Spirit would never be happy when another suffers; no matter whom, no matter why.
Lord, cause me today to Love like You. Lead me to someone who needs Your AGAPE Love shown in their life, and make me an effective witness of what You desire for them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
