IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
Genesis 1:26-31
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (27)
chapter 1
26. Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
28. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
29. Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
30. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground - everything that has the breath of life in it - I give every green plant for food." And it was so.
31. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1. On the sixth day, God made mankind in his own image. Each and every person bears the image of God. Whether one is a man or woman, Jew or Palestinian, conservative or liberal, Black or White, straight or gay, rich or poor, or any other variety of human being, each person bears the image of God that cannot be taken away from them.
2. When we choose to see each and every person as a child of God, rather than a stereotype, we can begin to seek that which is holy and worthy of love and respect in each person. We can start listening to each other with empathy, collaborating, and caring for those in need. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
3. God is love, and each person is made to love and be loved. In God’s love, he entrusted us with the beauty and riches of the earth to grow and fill the earth and be good stewards of all of His creation.
Prayer: Creator God, I am your child and image bearer whom you love and delight in. Help me to love all your creation with your love bestowed on me.
One Word: It was very good