I’ve been considering this thought for several months now. What does it mean to be created in the image of God? And if the whole of humanity bears some aspect of his image, how am I then to live accordingly with others? My time of reflection left me considering the words of Paul to the Jewish believers in Rome from Romans 12:9-21 (NLT). He communicates in verses 9 and 10: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
A few verses later, he drops a massive bomb on persecuted believers: “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them” (Romans 12:14, NLT).
And then he extends it even more, a few verses later: “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God” (Romans 12:17-19, NLT).
The concept that every person is created in the image of God inspires me to consider how I am to live in alignment with others. If in each of us, there’s some aspect of God’s image; then I should carefully consider how I think about, talk about, engage with, and participate with all of the bearers of his image. This idea convicts my spirit to the core. How I perceive others must be impacted by this truth.
I believe this truth is echoed in all of scripture and reverberates in each author’s writing. Repeatedly scripture beckons us to embrace each other in love with kindness and consideration, and to think of others highly. In the age of justified evil, I am impacted by the apostles’ response to persecution. Did those who walked in that day perceive the value of each individual? Paul’s expression towards opposition in 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 requires some consideration. “… We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil things are said about us.“
These responses must come from an awareness and consideration that God cares deeply for every individual - even those who do not follow in his ways. I want to have that same awareness and let go of all judgment, accusation, and evil thoughts to fully care about the truth that God has imparted part of himself to all creation, and just because a person, or people group, doesn’t follow his leadership, doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit won’t convict them of their sin, or convict them of righteousness (John 16:8). Lord, help us all to see others as you do. Father. give us a spirit of prayer and of deep conviction when we engage with your creation.
About the Author
Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He loves Jesus, art, music, and poetry. He currently works as the Manager of Learning Technology Solutions for Los Angeles Pacific University and is passionate about adventuring outdoors.