When I lived up north, I was often asked to divulge my nationality. People seem to judge others based on one's race and wanted to know if I was Latina or mixed race. After I moved down south, people were more concerned about my last name. The determining factor in judgement was one's ancestry. Regardless if I was being judged on my race, nationality or family history, I was being judged using factors that don't accurately define me. I am Black but so are billions of other people. Are all Black people the same? My last name is my husband's last name. How can you figure out who I am based off my husband's family tree? This is something that has annoyed me since childhood. It is frustrating to me that people think they can know me by inquiring about my roots. It would be far more accurate a practice to actually get to know me for who I am as an individual.
When you walk through an orchard, do you examine the roots of each tree to determine what kind of tree it is? Of course not! That would be pretty silly since most roots look the same. All you have to do is look at the fruit and you will clearly see what kind of tree it is. Jesus warned us about false prophets who are wolves in sheep's clothing. You shouldn't form an opinion of someone solely based upon their physical appearance, their level of education, their family history, etc. You have to look at the person's character in order to know who they really are.
So what are the characteristics of an evil person? There are many ways a person can demonstrate evil. Some can be violent and perverted while others can be selfish and divisive. Evil comes in many forms and some not as obvious as others.
What are the characteristics of a godly person? Galatians 5:22-23 tell us the fruits of The Spirit which are the characteristics of a godly person. Those characteristics are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. As children of God, we must be mindful to practice displaying these characteristics so people will see us and judge us accordingly. Behaving in this manner is not just pleasing to God, but it will bring others who are lost closer to God as well.
So let's stop looking to know someone based on attributes that don't matter. Instead, nurture the fruits of The Spirit inside yourself and be the person God has designed you to be.
