I won’t ask you to nominate one!… The truth is, there are plenty of all three as we look around us in the world.
We certainly see and experience an enormous amount of good from human beings, whether Christian or not. This has been particularly highlighted through the dark times of the COVID-19 era so far; genuine care, selflessness, sacrifice and love have shone out. But we’ve also been appalled by instances of anarchic violence and rioting that have emerged alongside other peaceful protests against racism.
It’s also true that where we do see goodness in people and society, it will never be completely free of the influence of the evil one and human sinfulness. This is as true for believers as it is for unbelievers; John says to the church, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1Jn 1:8) Likewise, even in the baddest and ugliest of human situations, you will still always be able to detect the presence of good somewhere. The image of God in humanity can become very messed up, but it can never be erased!
This simply goes to show that there are not “good guys, and bad guys”. Every human being desperately needs to be redeemed by the grace of a Saviour. Just as well that’s exactly who Jesus is, and that He freely offers this grace to all who will receive it by faith and repentance!
In the light of His truth, we let Him show us the good and the evil in every situation, and, trusting in Him, reject the evil and chose the good.
Grace and goodness,
Jonathan.