I am a convert to Catholicism (2000). I am also a choleric-melancholic temperament and before I ever became a Catholic, I was opinionated, pushy, demanding, with overly high standards and expectations. Unfortunately, being given the gift of faith did not, for the first half dozen years, improve these unpleasant characteristics of my personality. It just gave me another vehicle with which to drive my agenda home.
I read a post on Fisheaters a few months ago referencing the problem of "intemperate zeal." And it fit me to a "T". What I am sincerely lacking now and in years past is HUMILITY.
I have the unfortunate reality of having pushed and pushed my religion and views on anybody who would listen and the existence of the internet and email has allowed me to send people notes and messages and links about the faith and the need for repentance to an extreme amount.
So, my question is about the statement that people will hate you the more you become closer to God. What would it look like if I was humble and charitable (another virtue I am deficient in), temperate and sweet? How could people "hate" you with that manner?
I hope I've explained myself in a way that is understandable. I believe that I am universally hated not so much because of what I believe, but the manner in which I've engaged with people in my life: judgmental, proud, uncharitable, self-righteous ... etc. Not because I am a Catholic.