A pastor at First Baptist Orlando has publicly forgiven the man who murdered his wife earlier this year.

In an emotional courtroom scene, Bill Curl, a longtime pastoral care minister at First Baptist Orlando, said he hoped the man who murdered his wife, Lucy Pat Curl, would come to Jesus.

Ronald Davis, 55, pleaded guilty to the fatal attack during a home invasion and was sentenced to life in prison.

Lucy Pat, 85, died from injuries sustained during the assault, as reported by The Christian Post.

Speaking to the court, Pastor Curl described his wife of 64 years as “the glue that kinda holds our family together".

Despite the devastating loss, he said: “I would say for him, we have nothing but forgiveness, for love, for a hope that his life has a better quality, and one day he’ll come to know Jesus.”

The attack occurred in January while Pastor Curl was working.

Davis reportedly posed as a community officer before forcing his way into the couple’s home.

Found later in a nearby shed, Davis admitted guilt as part of a plea deal.

Judge Leticia Marques, who oversaw the case, remarked: “Mr Davis, I rarely see grace in this courtroom, but I saw it today from Rev Curl.”

In a follow-up interview, Curl stood firm in his faith, saying: “He obviously should be punished for what he did but that doesn’t negate forgiveness.”