Question 1

What is dignity and where do we get it?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 1:27So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.Psalm 8:5Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.Psalm 62:7My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.Isaiah 49:5Now the Lord speaks—the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength.John 5:44“No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.”2 Thessalonians 1:12Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.Dignity is understanding who God made you to be—a human being who bears his image. In the eyes of the Creator, you have great worth and value and have been made for a special purpose. Your dignity comes not from what others think about you, but from the fact that God chose to create you and give you unique spiritual gifts and abilities. You have great worth in the eyes of God, and this should give you the confidence to boldly serve him wherever he leads you.

Question 2

What is the evidence of dignity in my life?

Accepted Answer

Ruth 3:11“Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.”1 Timothy 2:2Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.Titus 2:2Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.We show dignity when we reflect the image of God, our source of dignity. When we behave respectably, have self-control, strong faith, and are loving and patient, we display dignity.

Question 3

How can I live with dignity?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 45:16All craftsmen who make idols will be humiliated. They will all be disgraced together.James 4:10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.By recognizing who created us, the source of our dignity, we will live in God’s presence, by his power, and for his purpose. This is how to live a life of dignity. If we choose to live for anything less than God, we lose our dignity and become lower than whatever we have chosen to worship.Proverbs 1:3Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.Proverbs 3:1-5My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.If we are obedient to God’s Word and seek to follow his calling, we demonstrate true dignity.Proverbs 21:21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.Ephesians 5:1-2Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.Pursuing love for others illustrates what dignity is all about.Proverbs 2:7-9He [the Lord] grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.Proverbs 3:13-16, 21-22, 35Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. . . . My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. . . . The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!Proverbs 4:8If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.Proverbs 13:15A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.Pursuing God’s wisdom leads to a life of dignity.1 Timothy 3:11In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.Titus 2:2Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.Titus 2:12We are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.By exercising self-control, we demonstrate dignity.Proverbs 20:3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.Romans 12:17Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.By avoiding revenge and hostility, we protect not only the dignity of others, but our own dignity as well.Proverbs 22:4True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.Luke 14:11“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”1 Peter 5:6So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.Humility in an essential ingredient for living a life of dignity. It also enables us to offer dignity to others.1 Peter 2:12Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.By behaving honorably among others, we call others into lives of greater dignity.2 Corinthians 1:12We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.1 Timothy 1:5The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.1 Timothy 1:19Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.Hebrews 13:18Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.1 John 3:21Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.Maintaining a clear conscience is an important part of living a life of dignity.Proverbs 22:1Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.Ecclesiastes 7:1A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.By developing a good reputation, we are rewarded with lives of dignity.Psalm 112:9They [The godly] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.1 Timothy 5:10She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?By giving generously and doing good to others, we demonstrate what dignity is all about.

Question 4

How do I acknowledge the dignity of others?

Accepted Answer

Exodus 20:12“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”Leviticus 19:32“Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord.”Matthew 19:19“Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.”Romans 13:7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.1 Corinthians 16:15-18You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. . . . You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.1 Corinthians 16:10When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.1 Thessalonians 5:12Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.James 5:11We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.1 Peter 3:7In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.Showing respect and honor for others acknowledges them as people created in God’s image.Ephesians 6:5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.1 Timothy 3:4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.Obedience to those in authority acknowledges their role and responsibility to lead you.Exodus 18:7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.2 Corinthians 7:13-15We were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was about the way all of you welcomed him and set his mind at ease. . . . Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect.Philippians 2:29Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve.Warmly accepting others acknowledges their worth and your desire to treat them as equals.Acts 28:8-11As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.Romans 16:2Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.Meeting others’ needs acknowledges that their needs are important.Romans 12:10Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.1 Corinthians 12:26If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.Taking joy in honoring others acknowledges you need them and appreciate their work and service.Proverbs 24:26An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.1 Timothy 5:1Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.Speaking respectfully, lovingly, and truthfully to others acknowledges their dignity—that they are worthy of your trust.1 Corinthians 4:16So I urge you to imitate me.1 Corinthians 11:1You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.Philippians 3:17Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.Titus 2:7You yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.1 Peter 5:3Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.Learning from the good example of others acknowledges the dignity their lives exemplify.

Question 5

How can I acknowledge God’s dignity?

Accepted Answer

Daniel 4:34-37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.We can begin by repenting of sin, turning to God, and acknowledging he is Lord over all creation.Jeremiah 13:11As a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I created Judah and Israel to cling to me, says the Lord. They were to be my people, my pride, my glory—an honor to my name. But they would not listen to me.Hosea 11:7My people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me.We ascribe dignity to God by maintaining a loving and trusting personal relationship with him, which acknowledges that he loves us so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own Son that we might live in relationship with him forever.Psalm 86:11Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.Isaiah 29:13So the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”We honor God by seeking to have a pure heart, which acknowledges our goal of having a heart like God’s.Psalm 147:11No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.We honor God by hoping in God’s character, which acknowledges that he is perfect and we want to be like him.Psalm 34:9Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.We ascribe dignity to God by showing him reverence, which acknowledges that he is Lord over all.John 5:22-23“The Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.”We ascribe dignity to God by honoring his son, Jesus Christ, which acknowledges that only through him can we have salvation and eternal life.Psalm 119:48I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.We honor God by living according to his Word, which acknowledges that it is the authoritative truth.Psalm 23:3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.We dignify God by asking for his daily strength and guidance, which acknowledges that we cannot make it in life without him.Psalm 50:23Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.Psalm 69:30Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.We honor God by giving him thanks, which acknowledges that all we have is from him.Philippians 1:20I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.Colossians 1:9-10So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.We honor God by giving our lives in service to him, which acknowledges that we were created by him and to live for him.Romans 6:13Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.1 Corinthians 6:20God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.We honor God by offering our bodies as a vessel through whom God can work his will in the world.Malachi 1:6-11The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’ “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar. “Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’ “You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect. When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you! But when you bring that kind of offering, why should he show you any favor at all?” asks the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.Hebrews 4:11So let us do our best to enter that rest.We honor God by giving our best, which acknowledges our desire to give our all for the God over all.Romans 13:7Give respect and honor to those who are in authority.We honor God by respecting others in positions of authority over us, as they are called to serve us on God’s behalf.Proverbs 14:31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.We honor God by meeting the needs of others, which acknowledges our desire to care for others as God cares for us.