“[The Essence of Love] (2) Affection. There can be matters in another person’s life which may or must rightfully present us from having familiar fellowship with him. Being hindered in doing so is grievous, however, and one would desire that this hindrance be removed – be it that he would be converted, or that a given sin (being an impediment to spiritual communion and continually putting us in danger of being polluted) would not manifest itself so strongly in him. We shall, however, love him in spite of this, and the desire for fellowship remains. We shall make a wholehearted effort to do good to him in body and soul, and must rejoice when he prospers and grieve when it goes ill with him. It is thus that Paul loved Israel – presently unbelieving and striving against the truth – according to the flesh: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Rom. 10:1). Thus, we must even love our enemies – those who are hostile and manifest enmity toward us (Mat. 5:44).”
(Wilhelmus a Brakel’s Christian’s Reasonable Service, Vol 4 Ethics and Eschatology, page 54)