What sort of person are you?

Could it be possible that the above question is the original sin, the root of all the sins that follow? The sin of sorting and labeling people into groups and categories of “good” and “evil”

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, tells the story of the very first people.  The story makes a bold claims: from the very beginning all people are came from the same speck of dust, the same breath of God (all people are connected, from one source).

As the story goes, both Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and their eyes are opened. From that moment on, they could see good and evil.  Which brings us to the first wrinkle, the first move toward destruction and corruption - the first sin. 

From that day forward we have been sorting people, things, and ideas into categories of “good” and “evil.”  We have labeled and demonized and condemned anyone or thing that we decide is “evil.”   

To call a person or people evil is to dehumanize them.  What a great danger we put our world in when we dehumanize others!  Genocide, violence, hatred, fear-mongering, war and corruption all stemming from that original sin.  

Oddly enough, I believe the cure is not in trying to fit everyone into the “good” category.  Rather it is to say, “all have sinned and fallen short” (Romans 3:23) and all are, “ justified freely by God’s grace” (Romans 3:24).  In other words you and all people are forgiven sinners who rely on God’s patience and forgiveness given through Jesus.

It is not for us to judge.  Rather since you are forgiven - forgive; since you have been shown patience and mercy - be patient with others and cut them some slack; you are loved - now go and love!