One sign of a good person is a smile on their face, isn't it? Therefore, a smile is a very important feature on our faces. Based on this, we could say that fundamentally, everyone is good. Yes, everyone.
Just look at that person over there, wow, their smile is so radiant... but why is it only for certain people? For those who are richer, more powerful, basically superior to themselves. If it's someone they think won't bring them any benefit, their smile vanishes instantly. I know this is common in the secular world, but what about among "children of God"? Apparently, this type of "good person" has existed for a long time, so much so that James, Jesus' own brother, said in James 2:1, "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." Furthermore, he continued in verse 4, "Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" Oh dear, it turns out that good people who only smile at certain individuals are not truly good, are they?
Hmm, in that case, what about the good person next to them, who smiles without prejudice... but only at certain times? If they never smiled before, suddenly they flash a sweet smile when they need something. Their kindness is a product they use to gain the favor of others. If they don't get what they expect, their smile also evaporates. Jesus said in Luke 6:33, "And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that." Oh no, it turns out this type of good person reminds Him of sinners!
Or what about the one at the far end? Their smile seems sincere and for everyone, but why only in certain places? Apparently, this person has a life outside the Church that is completely contradictory to the appearance they present inside the Church. It seems they have two faces. Inside the Church, they make angels feel inferior. Outside the Church, it's Satan's turn to feel inferior seeing their behavior. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean," Jesus condemned them in Matthew 23:27. Serious, Jesus even called this type of good person by a very fitting term: hypocrite.
So then, how should a good person be? "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." That's Paul's explanation in Romans 12:2. Paul knew that if a person becomes good through the renewing of their mind, meaning it arises from within their heart and is not just a superficial polish, then to anyone, anytime, anywhere, their smile will always sincerely grace their face.
Ah, when I look at you, I'm quite sure you are the last type of good person. The question, my friend, is that just my feeling, or is that truly the reality?
The Lord Jesus bless you.