Is a person condemned if others hate him?
Question:
Is it really possible that a person is condemned to hell if people fight with him or still hate him after an incident that he is perhaps sorry about but has no courage to talk about it? He would think he has nothing against his past friends in his heart. I don’t think that I will be punished in hell just because I’m shy about talking to someone I fought with in the past. Do you think I’m right or wrong? I think it is ok to let it pass. I’m not angry at any person -- ok, no one can forgive easily, but I just forget.
Answer:
A person's salvation has nothing to do with the attitude of people around him. Think about the reception our Lord received in this world. "For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed" (I Peter 2:19-24). But all of this is dependent on you doing what is right in your life.
When people mistreat us, we are commanded to treat them well in return. "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:17-21). The best good that you can do for any person is to lead them to Christ and salvation.
