By “hostile” I assume you are talking about non-Christians who make fun of, perhaps even physically persecute Christians. I believe the Bible says a lot about the hostility of non-Christians, and I’ve structured my response into three points.
1) The world is hostile.
Romans 8:7 – “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.”
This partly explains why it’s so hard sometimes to live as a Christian: we’re going against the grain. The world as a whole is hostile to God. Though some people might choose to manifest that through physical anger or verbal abuse, and others choose to just be chill and tolerant, the same heart of unbelief and hostility is at work. You might meet non-Christians who are very easy-going to talk with about spiritual matters. Maybe you know some who love to hear and debate about Christianity and the Bible; even those who don’t mind visiting church with you. But if they choose to not accept Christ, the Bible paints the picture very clearly that they have nothing in common with Christians (2 Cor 6:14).
Ultimately, the only thing that can bring someone from non-Christian to Christian is a true confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If that isn’t there, they are hostile in one way or another to God.
2) Love the hostile non-Christians.
Now, it’s easier to love people who are nice and friendly. Those who directly oppose what you believe to your face are obviously harder to love. But the Bible still tells us to love them. Here are some Biblical principles regarding love for non-Christians.
(Matthew 28:19-20) Our responsibility is to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, teaching people to obey everything God has commanded; that includes the most hostile of non-Christians. Though it is a hard assignment, we are told and empowered to do it by Christ himself. There are countless stories of the most hostile non-Christians coming to Christ through the witness of the church.
(Luke 6:27-33) "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you … If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them.” Christ is magnified when we love our enemies, because it points to a supernatural and unconventional love that the world does not naturally display.
(Matthew 10:14) “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” This verse reminds us that it’s God’s battle, not ours, to “win over” hostile non-Christians. If we have proclaimed the Gospel, and they do not listen, we should simply get up and find the next opportunity. There is no use in endless bickering that only further frustrates both parties.
3) Pray for the persecuted church.
We should be thankful that we live in North America where the hostility of non-Christians is not severe to the point of life and death. However, Christians in many countries around the world face severe hostility on a regular basis. Let’s make sure to remember them in our prayers.
[Answered by Mark Cheng, Agape Counselor]
