A moment for reflection:
'Man' by Morag Cameron Sometimes listening to breaking news analysis and debates on radio or TV can make our mood quickly turn to despair as every headline brings more sad situations to our attention. Yet, as we read our Bible, we can see there is so much hope to focus on. In the very first book of the Bible we are offered a better way forward as we read about the foundation for Christian unity and brotherly/sisterly love. God created the heavens and the earth, the seas, the sun, stars, animals and fish but only mankind is made with His image imprinted on its very being. From the beginning of time, humanity was raised above the rest of creation and given a special place. and the one thing separating us from all of God’s other creations was being made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 "God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them" Genesis 1:31 ‘But not only that, when God saw all that He had made He called it good.’ All through the Bible we read verses telling us how best to live our life -to love God and love one another like we love ourselves, to use our gifts to serve one another and to pursue unity with one another Matthew 22: 37-39 Jesus replied: "'Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. |
In the first chapter of the Bible, the very beginning of our origin story, we are told because all people are made in the ‘image of God’ we must love and serve one another. This truth must impact every bit of our daily living, the way we treat our neighbours, the way we talk about our friend with the differing viewpoint, the way we respond to folk living a different way of life from us. It shifts the way we look at those who vote, worship and believe differently from us because as believers we acknowledge and know that God’s image is stamped on every single human who walks this earth. This is the foundation for us to treat all people with honour, dignity, and respect, to serve each other joyfully and love our enemies, it is why we called to be patient and forbear with one another. We love and forgive generously because Christ loved and forgave us. In Genesis chapter 1, when God created us in His very image and called His creation good, through the power of the cross, we choose to reflect His goodness and love whenever we get the chance. We all have people we need to love today, those we need to forgive, those we need to spend time praying over. In Psalm 139:verses 23-24, "Examine me, O God, and probe my thoughts. Test me, and know my concerns. See if there is any idolatrous way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." Let us trust the God who made us in His image to equip us to reflect His light and unity in a dark world. Prayer Almighty God, You are the One who made all things and we praise You for Your creation. You made humankind in Your image and command us to love everyone with no exception. Help us to do this, to live as You would want us to do, to lead a live pleasing to You. Help us show Your love in every situation we find ourselves facing and to turn to Scripture for encouragement and truth. Amen |
