The Christian Paradox

It's a kind of paradox to love the sinner but not the sin. I minister inside a men's prison and when I sit and talk with them, I love them all. Of course I don't love what they've done; I don't even want to imagine it. I separate the two.

How?

Just as easy as when I tell a lie and see the trust in your eyes. Just as easy as cheating on my essay and accepting the "A". Just as easy as driving over the speed limit, yet slowing down for ducklings. Just as easy as separating myself from the person who drank a little too much last night, yet received Communion in the morning.

What is the difference between those found guilty and the innocent? Too many times it's just a matter of circumstance:

lack of money
wrong skin color
mental illness
bad neighborhood
bad parents
bad lawyer

There but for the grace of God go I. When I hear their stories, I can see parts of my own story. I see myself. So I treat everyone like I would like to be treated. That means that I am a good person that sometimes does bad things. I am not bad. I chose wrong. I made wrong choices. Please don't define me by my past. See me, not my sins.