We’ve suggested that Creation reflects God’s genius and playfulness, both of which are displayed in the diversity and uniqueness of its creatures. I like to think the angels chuckled when they saw the first camel and gasped at the first T-Rex.
God Himself says they shouted for joy at the new born heavens and earth (Job 38:7).
Their wonder (and perhaps confusion) must have been multiplied at His dealings with humankind. From one couple came many races, and thousands of tribes and languages, and within those, billions of one-of-a-kind now fallen humans. God seemed to be inviting Trouble to dinner, if not building a house for him next door.
But rather than cast off His erring image-bearers, He became one of them, in the person of His Son, to die for them and also instruct them. And one of the key lessons this Son, Jesus, modeled and taught these unique sinners was not to judge another’s uniqueness, or sins.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? If diversity and uniqueness are God’s design baked into the very building blocks of Creation, He must want His creatures to respect them. We don’t, when we look down on another race or delight in another’s downfall, or critique another’s choices.
We know Jesus did not mean turn a blind eye to evil or excuse sin. But just as no one can fully grasp our motives, know our heart, or read our thoughts, neither should we presume we can do so for others. Jesus died for sinners of all kinds. We can see what people do, but we can’t see why they do it. And that has major implications for us today.
“Father, thank you for brothers and sisters who are like, yet unlike, ourselves. We pray that our common heritage as forgiven sinners will enable us to see past outward differences and accept one another as you have accepted us. In our Savior’s name. Amen.