English Article: Holy Without Becoming Hostile| Ribi Kenneth

Some encounters stay with us long after they are over. A harsh word echoes in our minds. An unfair accusation becomes an argument we rehearse in silence. We leave the conversation, but the conversation does not leave us. Slowly, another person’s hostility begins to shape our thoughts, our words, and even our prayers.

As we face the hostility around us, we must question its presence. Does it manifest in the opposition we encounter or in the resentment that builds within us?

Perhaps we need to examine both.

The hostility outside us is real. Jesus experienced rejection, betrayal, false accusation, and violence. He also prepared his followers for suffering with a promise: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Following him does not guarantee acceptance. Yet opposition alone does not prove our faithfulness. Sometimes, what we experience as hostility may include correction we need the humility to receive.

The deeper challenge is what happens within us when opposition comes.

When we are wounded, we may want to wound in return. When someone questions our convictions, we may begin to despise them. We can defend truth while losing tenderness, speak about righteousness while feeding resentment, and insist that we honour God while refusing to examine our hearts.

Before we confront the hostility outside us, we must recognise the hostility taking root within us.

Looking inward does not make us responsible for another person’s wrongdoing. It makes us responsible for our response. The prayer “Search me, God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23) becomes especially necessary when we feel certain that the problem lies entirely with someone else.

Paul widens our understanding: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Beyond the actions we see lies a spiritual struggle against powers of darkness. The person confronting us is not our ultimate enemy. That truth should change how we see people. Harmful actions still require accountability, but those responsible remain people made in God’s image. Recognising spiritual opposition should deepen our discernment, prayer, and compassion. It should never become a reason to label people as evil or overlook their humanity.

Jesus faced hostility with a love that remained steadfast through suffering. Even from the cross, he prayed for those crucifying him. Their violence did not determine the spirit of his response. His example challenges our understanding of victory. We may win an argument while allowing contempt to take hold of our hearts. We may lose approval yet remain faithful through courage, truth, and mercy.

Love can speak firmly, establish boundaries, and resist injustice. It does not require us to accept abuse or abandon accountability. But it asks us to examine our purpose: are we seeking what is right and good, or an opportunity to retaliate?“Overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21) is a calling that must shape our hearts as well as our actions.

May we allow God to search our hearts as honestly as we examine the world around us. To be holy in a hostile world is to resist the evil we encounter, surrender the resentment we carry, and follow Jesus in the way of love – to remain holy without becoming hostile.

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