All human beings have one thing in common: they are made in God’s image. Thus, every individual is precious in God’s eyes regardless of his race, gender, status, and education. This fact should guide our attitude and actions toward all people. Honoring our fellow human beings is honoring God. Furthermore, since God has bestowed His likeness in us all, He takes personal interest in how we deal with our fellow human beings.
God forbids murder on the basis that man carries God’s image: "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man" (Gen 9:6). Man’s life is sacred because he is God’s image bearer.
By the same token, discriminating and oppressing the less privileged is a direct offense to God: "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy" (Prov 14:31).
Because of our pride, we tend to favor the rich, the intelligent, the beautiful, or the powerful. We easily look down on those who don’t measure up to our standards. But the Bible reminds us that we are all from the same Creator regardless of our social or economic distinctions. "The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all" (Prov 22:2). God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34). He loves every soul and came to die for the whole world. If we truly honor our Maker and Father in Heaven, we will also extend our love to all people:If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 Jn 4:20-21) Loving God is inseparable from loving our neighbors. That’s why they are placed side by side as the two greatest commandments (Mt 22:37-39).
In our daily interactions, let us love God by loving everyone around us. Let’s learn to look beyond people’s appearance and possessions and give them the honor that is due God’s image bearers.
Lord Jesus, remind me daily to love everyone the same way You have loved them. Awaken me when I slip into the sin of favoritism. Help me see the preciousness of every soul so I may be eager to lead others to Your salvation.
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