Life is all about relationships. Who a person is can only be defined by and understood through the relationships he has in his life. I cannot imagine anyone on his deathbed wishing to have spent one more day in the office, or wanting to spend some more time in the garage enjoying his favorite car, or at a desk gloating over his financial statements. I have seen many spending their last moments happily in the presence and embrace of their loved ones, family and friends who have been constant companions in their life journey.
Life, therefore, is all about building and nurturing those relationships – with others, specially my family and friends; with myself that I am accepting of who I am; with God ever aware of His presence in my life; and yes, even with nature that provides me the environment that sustains my life. Doing good is about forming and caring for these relationships. Sin is anything that destroys and harms these relationships.
It is not only outright violence that would destroy or kill relationships. Sometimes, an angry word or a judgmental statement may harm a relationship. Indifference and apathy can also cause relationships to die. Because, I myself can get hurt; I might shy away or even break off a relationship. Compassion and forgiveness are the necessary balm to heal and restore broken relationships.