Made In God’s Image

Made in God’s Image

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

“Good morning, Jerry! How are you today?” I asked cheerily as I stopped on the roadside. I leaned out my window with a sandwich and water to hand to the man standing on the corner.

“I’m doing okay. Thank you for the lunch,” he replied.

We chatted for another minute before I wished him a good day and waved goodbye.

“Do you know that man, Mom?” my daughter asked from the backseat.

“Not well,” I replied.

I went on to explain how I’d noticed Jerry several months earlier standing on the corner near our neighborhood grocery store, sign in hand, asking for food. After that first sighting, anytime I would stop at the store, I would check to see if he was on the corner. If he was, I’d make sure to pick up lunch for him on my way out.

I explained how, as a Christian, this is one way I live out my faith, by noticing another human being, giving dignity by acknowledging him by name, and offering a little bit of help anytime I was able. I told her how Jerry knew my vehicle now and would begin to wave even before I approached, because he knew that I would stop. How we would often talk about the weather, how he was feeling, and on certain days, if he had a place to stay. I told my daughter I am careful to always be respectful toward him and not pry beyond what he wants to share. We may not have a deep relationship, but it is still valuable, because Jerry has value.

Every human being is made in the image of God and therefore has value—this is a core tenet of our faith. Living this truth out in our daily lives matters because showing other human beings respect reminds us of God’s love for all of us. It’s a small act that can be easily overlooked, but it is significant to our relationship with God and one another.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Offer some encouragement and dignity to someone simply because they are made in the image of God.