Last week, I shared that I wanted to write to you about God’s Gifts and how He shared with me a new way of seeing His gifts: G.I.F.T. – God Is Always True. I spoke about the gift of God breathing life into us upon creation. This week, I want you to embrace who you are in God.
Back to Genesis 1:26-27. God tells us, clearly, who we are: “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
No other creation shares the image of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Only humans. In us, He created beings capable of being in relationship with Him. He created a family – not out of need, but out of desire. To share a part of who He is that we might live a life of abundance, peace, joy, and purpose. His children. Formed by His hands. Breathed into being. In His image.
I forget that. Way too often. And I’ll bet you do, too. We forget it when we spew negativity at ourselves. “I look horrible.” “I’m just lazy.” “I’m fat.” “I’m too skinny.” “I’m stupid.” “I’ll never accomplish anything meaningful.”
And we forget it when we judge others; poking fun, throwing insults. “He’s so weird.” “He is such a jerk.” “Where did she get that outfit?!” “He’s an idiot.” “They suck.” And sadly, I think it is getting wore as people hide behind keyboards, pounding out painful comments on social media to people they’ll never meet.
Why is it so easy to judge ourselves and others? To choose insults over compassion? To attack strangers? Is it a control thing? A power trip? Compensation for insecurity. Likely all of the above.
But maybe, just maybe, it’s because we have forgotten in whose image we are created. When we insult ourselves our others, we are insulting the very One who gives us life. If God’s word is true – and we know it is – then we should see ourselves as we see Him. Worthy. Honorable. Beautiful. Strong. Capable. Kind. Compassionate. Loving. Courageous. Powerful. We should speak truth in love, not animosity. We should see through the eyes of the One who created us; for He gave us eyes to see His truth. We too often choose the lies.
That person in the mirror? They are created in the image of God. That person you don’t like at work? They are created in the image of God. That child who is ill behaved and annoying? They are created in the image of God. That person who has different views than you? They are created in the image of God.
God creates us in His image. He loved us so much he sent Jesus to die that we would remain in relationship with Him. He sent Holy Spirit to dwell within us; equipping us and connecting us to the Father. He deserves our respect. Our undying gratitude. Not our judgement and disapproval.
G.I.F.T. #2 is simple. Speak to yourself and others as if you are speaking to the Father. Would you say that to God? Would you call Jesus stupid? Would you tell Holy Spirit that he is worthless?
It is simple. But difficult to live out. We are, in fact, human. Created in His image, but part of a natural world in which the enemy seeks to kill and destroy. So, every encounter is a choice. Every comment made to your beautiful self, a decision. Will I see what my Father sees? Will I cherish the image in which I was created? Will I honor the unique, fascinating, world-changing person God created? Will I see others as God sees them. Fragile, broken, imperfect; yet wonderful in His sight and filled with hope and possibility.
I hope so. Because G.I.F.T. #2 has the power to change the world. One encouraging word at a time. And that’s the perfect gift…for everyone.
Today’s accompanying prayer can be found at: https://simplyjoy.online/prayers/do-i-see-what-you-see/