Imagine someone tells you something slanderous about another person. Later, you discover evidence suggesting the story might not be entirely true. Is your first instinct relief—'Well, they’re not as bad as I thought'—or is it disappointment, coupled with a hateful desire to cling to the original story, savouring and nurturing with embellishment the satisfaction of believing the worst about them?
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What Might Intelligent Life Beyond Our Universe See in Us?
Go on, think about someone you have grown to hate. Now, go and write down why you hate them.
What did you write? Is what you’ve written true? Can you even remember why you don’t talk? It looks silly on paper, doesn’t it? Now, think about the worst thing you have ever done to another human. Does it create a cringe factor? A feeling of shame?
The Bible advises going and speaking to the person you hate—just you and that person alone. Why? Because going to others aggravates the issue and questions your own spiritual standing. So, why waste a life hating?
I used to belong to a religion where I gave public sermons. My most requested talk was, “Do you harbour resentment, or do you forgive?” One of the key thoughts in the sermon was the Bible’s advice to go and speak to the person you hate—just you and that person alone. Why? Because going to others aggravates the issue and questions your own spiritual standing. So, why waste a life hating?
If intelligent life outside our realm were to observe us, what would they think?
People often get into fights over things that seem small or unimportant. Whether it’s a sports rivalry or a disagreement over a parking spot, conflicts can quickly escalate into something bigger than the issue itself. But these small fights are usually about deeper feelings like pride, identity, or fear of being judged. Here are a few examples of how people can end up hating or fighting over what seem like trivial matters.
One reason people fight is that they feel wronged, even if no harm was done. Sometimes, a small misunderstanding or a comment taken the wrong way can lead to hurt feelings and anger. This is especially true in relationships with family, friends, or even strangers. We might get mad at someone for something they didn’t mean to do, and this can lead to long-lasting resentment. The fight isn’t really about the issue—it’s about how we feel in the moment.
Another reason people fight is because of differences in religion. People sometimes get angry or even violent when others don’t share the same beliefs or attend the same religious services. This kind of division has been happening for centuries, often based on the idea that one group’s beliefs are the only “right” way—even though their own beliefs change over time. People can reject, slander, or even hate others just because they have a different faith. While this might protect a sense of identity or belonging, it causes harm to relationships and communities.
Sometimes, people get angry when others try to give them advice. This is especially true when the advice challenges their beliefs or way of life. For example, when someone suggests making better choices or changing certain behaviours, it can feel like an attack on personal judgment. Instead of listening, many people shut down or get defensive. They may even start to dislike the person who offered the advice because it made them uncomfortable or forced them to face truths they didn’t want to confront.
In many cases, the reason behind these small fights isn’t really the issue itself—it’s about how people feel. Whether it’s protecting their pride, defending their beliefs, or avoiding the truth about themselves, the real source of conflict often comes from emotions. People tend to fight when they feel their identity or sense of self is being threatened, even if the argument is over something minor.
In the end, the challenge is to recognize when we are letting our feelings control our reactions. If we can learn to listen, be open to other beliefs, and accept advice without getting defensive, we might avoid many unnecessary conflicts. It’s not always easy, but the more we practice kindness and understanding, the fewer things will feel worth fighting over.
And most of all, our hearts are being searched by intelligent life. We are under scrutiny:
I will reveal to you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires from you,
and how to act with judgment, and to love mercy, and to walk carefully with your God.
Micah 6:8 (CPDB).