Labels

I came across this photo and read its context.

Tell me, when you see this, wouldn't you think it’s true? We judge people easily majority by the way they dress/look. That’s called “labeling”. A lot of people can’t stand it. I know, I’m one of them. If I am to be labeled, I’d love to be labeled as a Jesus freak because that’s how I’d continue to live my life. But don’t be fooled; just because I love God ‘til eternity doesn't mean that I’m hard on others, judging so much because they aren't the same as me.

How about another example? I’ll use myself again. Here: I am both Filipino & Chamorro. So that makes me as an Asian-Pacific Islander. What are the stereotypes for being Asian or Islander? I have a few that I hear a lot:

• Asian people are super smart.
• Asian people are really strict.
• Asian people live with their family even after 20 years old.
• Pacific Islanders are huge people (tall & big boned).
• Pacific Islanders are brown.
• Pacific Islanders eat A LOT of food.

Let me just say that just because a person comes from a different place in the world, dresses differently, talks differently, lives differently does not mean that they should be judged. Believe it or not, when you’re judging them, they’re most likely judging you back.

Now, we’re not perfect. Again, we have flaws. But look at it in God’s perspective: He made us in His image, loves us all equally with no exceptions (referring: “I love you but…”)

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

Asians are no different than African Americans, Caucasians, Europeans, and Pacific Islanders. We are all the same. Sure, we all have different backgrounds, color of the skin, and culture. But in actuality, we all came from the same person, the One who created all of us, who loves us unconditionally and never stops, who is always here even when we can’t see Him, who watches out for you for through all the days of your life.

In Him, we are the same. Being smart, being strict, carefree, etc…it’s all from the person alone. It’s not from where you come from or your nationality or the way you look. Anyone can be smart; it’s all up to you. Anyone can dress as a scene or emo or whatever. We’re the same anyways.

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned, forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)

Also, what’s that saying everyone always talks about?

Treat others they way you’d want to be treated.