Treating all people well because they are made in the image of God

All people, just because we are human, are in the image and likeness of God. This means that people are God’s representatives, made to be special, different from the rest of creation. This foundational truth taught in the first chapter of the Bible has all kinds of important applications to it, but today let’s consider one that we can all live out this week.

If we truly believe that all people have inherent dignity and importance just for being human, we should show that in the many daily interactions we have with people. With a all kinds of people, I mean. Christians should be those who are known for their kindness and fair treatment of people who seem insignificant to others.

Think about those who work in hospitality or retail, the people who sell you groceries or your morning coffee. God’s image bearers work in all kinds of service industries. They are often taken for granted or ignored, sometimes talk to rudely and harshly, and occasionally even worse. Yet here is an opportunity to show that we really believe what God tells us about people in the Bible. Those who work in low-paid service industry jobs are not in any way less significant to God than you might be. Taking the time to thank them and to get to know them will not only change their day, it will be treating them with the dignity that they deserve.

Or think about the typical workplace setting. In any workplace there are people who own or manage the company, and those who do a range of other jobs. Christians are called to treat everyone with dignity and respect. That will stand out in most workplaces. Know the name of the person who comes to clean and ask them about their children. Ask the secretarial staff politely when you need them to do something for you. Whoever comes across your path, even if they are someone who is known as difficult or rude, treat them as God’s image bearer.

All people matter to God. Old, young, those who are popular, those who are shy, those who are wealthy, those with disabilities, and a full range of others. Whoever God puts in front of you today, treat them with respect. Give them your time. It is one small way that believers can make the world a better place.