Zambia Hunt

We all agree that God deserves our honor and love, but what about our fellow human beings? Scripture teaches that we should seek the good of everyone—friend and foe alike. “Love suffers long and is not easily provoked” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). The Lord commands us to do good to all people without exception, even though the majority appear undeserving when judged according to their merits.

Beyond Human Merit

Scripture helps us in this regard by teaching that we must not focus on a person’s apparent value or worthlessness. Instead, we are to remember that every person is created in the image of God, to whom we owe all possible honor and love (Genesis 1:27).

The image of God is to be most carefully regarded in those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10), because the image of God has been renewed and restored in them by the Spirit of Christ.

A Practical Test

Suppose someone approaches you who does not deserve your kindness. In fact, the opposite is true—he has provoked you with insults and injuries. How should you react to him?

Because he is made in the image of God, you should respond with affection and kindness. You may feel he deserves very different treatment. That may be true, but does not God command us to forgive all people their trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15)?

Focusing on God’s Image

We must not dwell on the wickedness of others but recognize that each person is God’s image-bearer. When we do this, our focus shifts from our fellow human beings to God Himself. We begin to see God’s image when we look at them.

If we overlook people’s faults and consider the beauty and dignity of God’s image in them, we will be compelled to love and embrace them—even our enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 17:3-4).

As you go about your day, ask the Spirit of God to remind you to look beyond the appearance and the attitude to see a human being, created in the image of God, a soul of eternal value! A soul for whom Christ died.