Biblical Basis for Advocacy: Humankind was created out of God’s love and in God’s image

Humankind was created out of God’s love and in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). God’s willingness to step out of eternity into time, in the person of Jesus, bestowed on humanity a dignity not of our own making. In his humility, Jesus suffered the indignity of death, even death on the cross (Philippians 2:7-11). As a result, we are able to appreciate and respect the dignity of others as well as ourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:12-18).

Jesus’ encounters with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-30), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2-5), and the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:20-22) are examples of how Jesus was committed to transcending race, gender, and class. Jesus treated all people with dignity and respect.

Let us pray,

Jesus our savior.

Forgive us when we turn a blind eye to God’s image in ourselves and our neighbors who are poor, who are lost, who are hungry.

Help us to see their dignity as we see our own, instilled by you in God’s act of creation.

Forgive us our sins. May your grace move us to action.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

This is part of a series of reflections that come from Bread for the World’s Biblical Basis for Advocacy to End Hunger resource.