Image of God

What does it mean to be made in the image of God? We talk about it all the time, but why does it even matter? It matters because being made in the image of God defines three things about us: who we are, what we exist to do, and the value we have.

As image-bearers of God, we as humans are His representatives here on earth. He created us with some of the same qualities He has: creativity, love, intelligence, a sense of justice, wisdom, kindness, and mercy—just to name a few. Whenever people express these qualities, whether they are Christians or not, they are doing it because they were made in the image of God. And when we see that happen, we can praise God for it!

Being made in God’s image gives us immeasurable value—not because of who we are, but because of who God is. Our Creator is perfect and holy and good, and He created us in His likeness. We can’t look like Him perfectly because sin has broken our image-bearing ability, but each human life still points to the One who
made that life.

Because we are made in God’s image, our job is to do His will here on earth. That means several things, but it all boils down to loving God, loving each other, and caring for creation (Genesis 1:28; Matthew 22:37-40). But how do we do that in our broken state?

If your faith is in Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living in you, conforming you to the image of Christ. Jesus is the One who made it possible for broken-by-sin image-bearers to resemble their Creator once more—through faith in what He did and continues to do (1 Corinthians 15). • Taylor Eising

• Does knowing what it means to be made in God’s image affect the way you view others? The way you view yourself?

• If you are a Christian, God is constantly transforming you more and more into the image of Christ. As you look back at your life, how do you see God transforming you?

• When your friends are struggling with their identities or self-worth, what are some ways you can encourage
them about who they are in Jesus?

And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven [Jesus]. 1 Corinthians 15:49 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 8:28-29; 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:6