Haters of God - Defend the Truth with Love

 


    Recently, I listened to someone who had embraced atheism, echoing the sarcasm and contempt of popular videos that mock faith. What struck me most was not the arguments themselves, but the anger — a bitterness directed at God Himself.

“Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, He has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do… they are hateful to God.”  

— Romans 1:28–30 (GNT)


    The Church’s liturgy constantly reminds us that Christ endured mockery, rejection, and hatred without responding in kind. In Holy Week, we hear the Passion narratives where Jesus is spat upon, scourged, and crucified — yet He prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

    Our response to hostility must echo the liturgy: we stand with Christ in His Passion, offering mercy even when confronted with contempt. The liturgy forms us to be patient, gentle defenders of truth, not quarrelsome adversaries.  

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

Even those who reject Him remain beloved children. To respond with hatred is to deny their dignity. To respond with love is to affirm the truth of our faith: that God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (cf. 1 Timothy 2:4).  

The Catechism teaches that man is made for communion with God (CCC 45). To turn away from Him wounds our nature. Yet even those who reject Him remain beloved children, created in His image (CCC 1701). Our response cannot be hatred for hatred, but love for souls in peril.

“As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.”  

— 2 Timothy 2:24–26 (GNT)

Pastoral Application

  • Examine your heart: Is your response fueled by anger or charity?
  • Pray for grace: Ask the Holy Spirit for humility and patience.
  • Intercede for the lost: Pray that God grants them repentance and light.
  • Witness with gentleness: Let your words reflect Christ’s mercy.

Closing Prayer

    Lord Jesus, You are the Truth that sets us free. Guard our hearts from anger and pride. Teach us to defend Your truth with love, to bear patiently with those who oppose You, and to pray for their conversion. May our witness draw them into Your embrace. Amen.

Cross shines through the dark,  

hatred melts in gentle love,  

truth defends with grace. 

Location: Hollywood, FL 33025, USA

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