Hatred towards haters

[mognar]

Hello

This is my first post on these forums.

First of all, I will explain my situation. I live in the Czech Republic (one of the most atheistic countries). I am 18 years old. I have a problem in school. In my class, there are like 30 people, and I am the only christian believer in there. Most people there are quite tolerant, not being concerned by religion at all. But there are guys who are, i would say, hostile towards christianity, or any other abrahamic religion. Now, i don’t do anything to provoke any conflicts, I am just ‘‘being there’’. They sometimes attack me with ‘‘provoking’’ questions and opinions. But actually, all of it is just misunderstanding (things like: God kills innocent people, Satan is actually the good guy, all evil is caused by religion etc.). Problem is, they don’t accept any explanation, and they only feed their hatred towards christianity in themselfs. Christ taught me to forgive people who hurt me, or treat me badly. When people attack me, I am able to forgive. But when people attack faith or things that are holy to me, that’s where the problem starts. I am angered, and the anger towards them just does not want to go away. Sometimes I am obsessed with thinking about it. Sometimes it just makes me sad, that I nearly cry, becouse I feel injustice. I pray, but I don’t know how to deal with this. Could you please give me some advice ?

(I apologize for my bad grammar)

 

[cena]

Hello

This is my first post on these forums.

First of all, I will explain my situation. I live in the Czech Republic (one of the most atheistic countries). I am 18 years old. I have a problem in school. In my class, there are like 30 people, and I am the only christian believer in there. Most people there are quite tolerant, not being concerned by religion at all. But there are guys who are, i would say, hostile towards christianity, or any other abrahamic religion. Now, i don’t do anything to provoke any conflicts, I am just ‘‘being there’’. They sometimes attack me with ‘‘provoking’’ questions and opinions. But actually, all of it is just misunderstanding (things like: God kills innocent people, Satan is actually the good guy, all evil is caused by religion etc.). Problem is, they don’t accept any explanation, and they only feed their hatred towards christianity in themselfs. Christ taught me to forgive people who hurt me, or treat me badly. When people attack me, I am able to forgive. But when people attack faith or things that are holy to me, that’s where the problem starts. I am angered, and the anger towards them just does not want to go away. Sometimes I am obsessed with thinking about it. Sometimes it just makes me sad, that I nearly cry, becouse I feel injustice. I pray, but I don’t know how to deal with this. Could you please give me some advice ?

(I apologize for my bad grammar)

-If they think religion is the source of all problems they can look over 100 million people killed by communists(communists think there should be no religion)
-God put those people into existence so it isn’t really murder
-I’ve been tempted so many times in the last few months anyone who says the devil is a good guy doesn’t know what they are talking about.

I know how you feel. But I don’t think God would want us to hate those people and He is the one they are offending

Don’t worry God is perfectly just that’s why things like temporal punishment exist. Through God there will be justice.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Read Mathew, Chapter 5

1* When he saw the crowds,* he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2He began to teach them, saying:

[The Beatitudes]*

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,*

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.a

4* Blessed are they who mourn,b

for they will be comforted.

5* Blessed are the meek,c

for they will inherit the land.

6Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,*

for they will be satisfied.

7Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.d

8* Blessed are the clean of heart,e

for they will see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,*

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.f

11 **Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.**g **

12* Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.h Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.**

 

[slh3016]

Hello

This is my first post on these forums.

First of all, I will explain my situation. I live in the Czech Republic (one of the most atheistic countries). I am 18 years old. I have a problem in school. In my class, there are like 30 people, and I am the only christian believer in there. Most people there are quite tolerant, not being concerned by religion at all. But there are guys who are, i would say, hostile towards christianity, or any other abrahamic religion. Now, i don’t do anything to provoke any conflicts, I am just ‘‘being there’’. They sometimes attack me with ‘‘provoking’’ questions and opinions. But actually, all of it is just misunderstanding (things like: God kills innocent people, Satan is actually the good guy, all evil is caused by religion etc.). Problem is, they don’t accept any explanation, and they only feed their hatred towards christianity in themselfs. Christ taught me to forgive people who hurt me, or treat me badly. When people attack me, I am able to forgive. But when people attack faith or things that are holy to me, that’s where the problem starts. I am angered, and the anger towards them just does not want to go away. Sometimes I am obsessed with thinking about it. Sometimes it just makes me sad, that I nearly cry, becouse I feel injustice. I pray, but I don’t know how to deal with this. Could you please give me some advice ?

(I apologize for my bad grammar)

When you say “attack me”, do you mean physically or verbally?

If physically, you need to tell the proper authorities such as your teacher, police, etc. If verbally, you should do the same but it’s likely that they not be able to enforce consequences severe enough to cause them to stop (and you may not can prove it because it’s verbal).

As for feeling injustice, I think that’s a perfectly normal human reaction. We are perfectly right and justified to feel this way when we have been mistreated; and the same applies to when we see others mistreated (…love your neighbor as yourself). We just should not sin in our anger.

Just always remember that Jesus forgave those who ridiculed and persecuted Him. May He give you strength to endure and the courage to change your situation if you can…God bless.

 

[Christy_Beth]

How hard it must be for you there. The prayer I like the most, may be applied here, but it’s up to you.

O Lady of Mental Peace,
Mother of Tranquillity and
Mother of Hope, Look upon
me in this time of my
weakness and unrest.

Teach my searching heart to
know that God’s love for me
is unchanging and unchangeable;
and, that true human
love can only begin and
grow by touching His love.

Let your gentle peace - Which
the world cannot give - be
always with me, and, help me to
bring this same peace into the
lives of others.

Our Lady of Mental Peace,
pray for me!!

 

[Robert_Sock]

For many, forgiveness is a difficult virtue to master. When we learn the power and wisdom of forgiveness, we are bound to have reached an advanced level of spiritual maturity. Regardless the nature of any possible abuse that we may have endured, nor the severity of that abuse, full recovery from abuse cannot be achieved until we truly forgive our abuser(s). Any anger or resentment we hold within us, live and thrive within us, and become a part of our very self. We will never rid ourselves of this anger and resentment until we experience true forgiveness towards all. Seeing our tormentors suffer a thousand times over will only add to our own misery.

On the other hand, to endure unnecessary torment and misery is never righteous, but a perversion. Also, the righteousness of forgiveness should never involve our condoning abuse or any other forms of evil.

True forgiveness requires our valuing peace and love above all else. Experiencing forgiveness towards those who have wronged us resembles perfect love more so than perhaps any other human experience. Forgiveness involves recognizing and valuing the potential for love that exists within every human soul, including our own soul. Sins cannot be completely forgiven until we forgive, and find an inner peace with, everyone who has ever wronged us; for every ounce of anger and resentment that we hold against any other(s), there will surely exist an ounce of sin held against us – for harboring anger and resentment within our self is sin.

The Golden Rule states: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you!” Our forgiving everyone, especially those we consider our enemies or adversaries, is to demonstrate to God that we are worthy of His forgiveness. Likewise, to find love for all our enemies and adversaries is to demonstrate to God that we have suffered long enough with our anger and resentment, and we are ready to receive His love.

Again, to experience the true power and wisdom contained within the virtue of forgiveness is to develop great spiritual growth!

 

[ClearWater]

Hello

This is my first post on these forums.

First of all, I will explain my situation. I live in the Czech Republic (one of the most atheistic countries). I am 18 years old. I have a problem in school. In my class, there are like 30 people, and I am the only christian believer in there. Most people there are quite tolerant, not being concerned by religion at all. But there are guys who are, i would say, hostile towards christianity, or any other abrahamic religion. Now, i don’t do anything to provoke any conflicts, I am just ‘‘being there’’. They sometimes attack me with ‘‘provoking’’ questions and opinions. But actually, all of it is just misunderstanding (things like: God kills innocent people, Satan is actually the good guy, all evil is caused by religion etc.). Problem is, they don’t accept any explanation, and they only feed their hatred towards christianity in themselfs. Christ taught me to forgive people who hurt me, or treat me badly. When people attack me, I am able to forgive. But when people attack faith or things that are holy to me, that’s where the problem starts. I am angered, and the anger towards them just does not want to go away. Sometimes I am obsessed with thinking about it. Sometimes it just makes me sad, that I nearly cry, becouse I feel injustice. I pray, but I don’t know how to deal with this. Could you please give me some advice ?

(I apologize for my bad grammar)

I would probably not raise the issue of religion with any of them, and if they raised it with me, I would ask them to change the subject. Well, from what you described, they aren’t truly interested in the truth, or listening to your perspective, just arguing and feeling they are right.

They have you outnumbered and outgunned, in a sense. Now, I went away from the faith for years, and people had tried to argue to me to talk some sense into me. None of that worked, in my particular case. Anyway, what worked was, simple as this sounds, people’s example.

Honestly, it sounds like I’m exaggerating, but I assure you I’m not. There were 3 people whose example helped turn me around. It was NOT by arguing, screaming, or yelling. It was by their going to church, possibly inviting me, or maybe just their saying a short grace before their meals, that got me thinking.

Normally speaking, when we are converted, it might not even be through logical arguments, rather, through our feelings, in many cases.

It sounds like they are closed off, at least for now. I wouldn´t even bother wasting my breath arguing. Instead, lead by your example.

 

[mexolic]

Here’s a link that might be of some help.

reapteam.org/persecuted-for-being-catholic

 

[ClearWater]

Sometimes, even by one’s simply making the sign of the cross, it brought back memories for me, again, got me thinking. They don’t have any memories, so it must be doubly hard!

I can’t imagine what it’s like to live in a country that is so hard on Catholicism. It must be so terribly hard! Anyway, good thing you can at least come to the forum for support.

I’m lucky, in that I live in a Catholic country. Still, we are hear for you if you need to talk, also so that you don’t feel so alone!

:hug1:

God bless you! Best of luck!

 

[mognar]

I appreciate your support.

Someone here asked if they attack me phisically. Well, no. Nobody never harmed me phisically. It’s just verbal things. I just sometimes feel desperate and alone in there. There are sometimes those situations, when for example teacher asked our class what we think of christianity (we study art - european art is mostly christian). Whole class before me either said something negative about catholic church, or that they dont care. And me, the last one asked. I just said with trembling voice something like : I…like the…chri-christian…stuff…ye

This is kinda funny situation. I am not very brave, and going alone against a group of people is hard.

About the forgivness. When I am angered, I try to forgive them. I forgive them with my mind, I forgive them in prayer. I treat them like friends. But my heart is hurt, and its hard to get over it.

About the country. It is true that people here don’t like catholicism. However, I think this fact also has a positive side. People who go to church here, they take their religion seriously. They don’t go to church becouse of tradition or becouse it’s ‘‘normal’’. But they do it becouse they are religious.

Well, I feel better now. Maybe I just needed to tell someone about this. I thank you again.

 

[ClearWater]

Feel free to talk to us anytime, because we understand that it’s not easy standing up for the faith, and especially when young, and alone.

If it’s any consolation, I think you’re actually very brave!

 

[janiruchan]

Im sorry for you but much sorry for those atheist…because I was once an atheist too…and I attack christians because I was really hungry to know God (even though I seem to be angry at Him at that time)…you know you are very very fortunate to be with Jesus and to know Him…I was envious of christians because of that–they have faith…I believe you are called to show Jesus in that hostile condition…yes…the calling to become a saint…Right now I am almost in the same situation as you (christians who are not christians)…It is really a calling towards sainthood…and I admit I resist…It is difficult…and I’m getting spiritually blind because of my fears…but I believe this is a test…God waits for me…and for you as well.

 

[MarcoPolo]

People who go to church here, they take their religion seriously. They don’t go to church becouse of tradition or becouse it’s ‘‘normal’’. But they do it becouse they are religious.

This is absolutely marvelous. Those who are able to willfully go to Church, even in the midst of persecution or dryness, are truly the souls who carry the Cross with Christ and benefit us all. Hang in there, my friend.

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

Hi, We visited Prauge last year, and loved every moment there,

Some people unfortunately are threatened by things they refuse to try to understand ,
And for that reason make life difficult for you , in your situation , perhaps silence is the best defence, prayer and devotion in solitude , or seek out like minded people , and avoid those that look but refuse to see

 

[Pat_Albertson]

There is a proper time and place for everything:
Matthew 7:6:

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

If somebody is truly curious, then that is different, but otherwise keep the verse just above in mind.

 

[hazcompat]

Jude 1:9 Yet the archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses, did not venture to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these people revile what they do not understand and are destroyed by what they know by nature like irrational animals 11 Woe to them! They followed the way of Cain, abandoned themselves to Balaam’s error for the sake of gain, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. 12 These are blemishes on your love feasts, as they carouse fearlessly and look after themselves. They are waterless clouds blown about by winds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead and uprooted.13 They are like wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shameless deeds, wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever.

14 Enoch, of the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied also about them when he said, “Behold, the Lord has come with his countless holy ones 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict everyone for all the godless deeds that they committed and for all the harsh words godless sinners have uttered against him.” 16 These people are complainers, disgruntled ones who live by their desires; their mouths utter bombast as they fawn over people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ,18 for they told you, “In [the] last time there will be scoffers who will live according to their own godless desires.”

19 These are the ones who cause divisions; they live on the natural plane, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.22 On those who waver, have mercy; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh.

24 To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory, 25 to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, power, and authority from ages past, now, and for ages to come. Amen.

Peace

 

[ready]

Persevere! God will reward your faithfulness, if not in this life, in the next!