A lot of times when people do things which we don't like, the natural (and note, natural often means "sinful" in my book) response is to assign them an ill intent, to think about how evil they are. And I suppose if you wanted to approach things from a hard and strict theological standpoint... well, yes, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and what they have done is evil and wicked and vile.
However, the problem with me taking that approach is that my own sinful flesh will run with that and use that as an excuse to vilify and berate and hate and tear down and destroy. Which is not good either.
So, yes, let us say that in God's sight what that person has done is Evil... we will let God, who is quite adept at handling evil and forgiving it deal with that.
Now, from my perspective, from my point of view, how should I view things? Instead of adopting an approach of "they are evil", it's probably better to think of them as well intentioned but misguided.
Yes, yes, sometimes people are just acting in a bald-faced evil way with nothing good at all going on. But most of the time, well, there's a reason for the old saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Most of the time people do have some sort of "good" intentions. Doesn't mean they are wise, or do things that are good... but if think of them as those who are trying to do something good and just failing... they become a bit more sympathetic, even when their failings end up dumping on us.
Have some compassion on those who do you ill. Don't assume them to be "evil" -- just assume that they wanted to do something good but just missed the mark completely. It won't make things hurt less... but it will leave you in a better position to still show them love.
1 comment:
Good stuff, and it sounds familiar. But I'll say it again: there are some who are just evil.
But I'll clarify. I don't know who they are, and I don't want to know. Oh, we all have suspicions, and maybe good evidence, but there's a lot of judging going on too.
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