People and Their Value

The Bible presents a rich and layered understanding of people: created in the image of God, loved by Him universally, yet called into a deeper relationship through redemption. People are both the objects of God's grace and the instruments of His purposes — valued not for their talent but for their availability, and refined through the very relationships that challenge them.

God's Love for All People

There is a sense in which God loves everyone in the whole world unconditionally, for this comes from His nature, for "God is love" (Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 4:8,16). It is a merciful love; He sends the rain on the righteous and unrighteous, and does not punish people immediately for their sins, not wanting any to perish but wanting everyone to come to repentance (Mt 5:45; Rom 3:23; 2 Pet 3:9). Although God's love extends to all people, not everyone will be saved (Ps 103:8; Mt 25:46; Mk 16:16; Lk 8:12). He is also a God of justice and will not let sin go unpunished (Isa 30:18, 61:8; Rom 5:21, 6:23; 2 Thes 1:6).

All people are created in the image of God and deserve respect for that reason

While God loves everybody, He has a greater affinity for those who love Him — those who have acknowledged their sin and by faith entered into His family by receiving Jesus as their Saviour — these He declares "will be my people" and "children of God" (Ex 20:6; Ps 119:132; Jn 1:12, 14:21,23; 2 Cor 6:16; 1 Jn 3:1).

People as Instruments of God's Purposes

God works through people to achieve His plans. He is more interested in our availability to be vessels or channels for His ability to operate through, rather than any talent we may think we have, for "He is the treasure in [us] earthen vessels" (Deut 8:18; Act 9:15-16; 2 Cor 4:7). He will provide the talent if we provide the means through which that can be outworked. Mary said, "Be it unto me according as You have said" (Lk 1:38).

People are one of the means God uses to refine our character

Both God and Satan work through people to achieve their respective goals. God wants to have a living, vibrant relationship with us that radiates out to those around (Mt 5:14-15). Other people observe us to see if our Christianity is real. Do we relate and enter into the lives of those around us, to challenge them to move closer to God? We need to both pray and act when getting involved in doing God's work — praying as if it all depends on God, while acting as if it all depends on us. As we are naturally self-centred, we need a purpose outside ourselves to live for.

How We Are to Treat Others

Humans are to be valued more highly than material possessions or personal gain, with Jesus stating, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mk 8:36). Jesus died to redeem fallen humanity who had been created in the image of God, not the physical world that was also tarnished by sin (Gen 1:26-27; Mk 10:45; 1 Pet 1:18-19). We will naturally have more in common with some people than others, yet all are made in God's image and deserve our respect — for every person bears the imprint of their Creator, regardless of how different they may be from us (Gen 1:27; Jas 3:9). It is through people, things and circumstances that God addresses ungodly issues in our lives. Our fellow human beings annoy and frustrate us, yet they too are a blessing and life would be dull without them. Genuinely extending forgiveness and having a right heart attitude towards others is essential, seeing them as God's special instrument to outwork His grace in our life.

Treating others as we would like to be treated is the golden rule of life — loving, praying for and blessing even those who persecute us, and trying to live at peace with all people (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:31; Rom 12:10-20). We are not to fear people, as this brings a snare that hinders us living for God (Prov 29:25; Mt 10:28). Prayer is to be made for all people, including those in authority, who are to be obeyed — even if we don't agree with the person themselves, we are to respect the position they represent (1 Tim 2:1-2).

Treating others as we would like to be treated is the golden rule of life

Reflection and Application:

How does knowing you are created in God's image shape the way you value yourself and others?
In what ways might God be calling you to be more available as a vessel for His purposes?
Is there someone who frustrates you whom God might be using to refine your character?
How can you practically live out the golden rule this week — especially toward those who are difficult to love?