Imagine this. Perhaps you drive to work and pick up a coffee on the way. After work, you head to the gym, and then the grocery store to cook your family dinner. As you wind down with your family, you begin to replay the interactions you had throughout your busy day. You think about the joyful barista at the coffee shop. You think about the new person at the office who is trying to make friends. You remember a kind older man who held the door open for you at the gym. You remember the angry driver on the road fighting to cut you off in traffic. You remember the cashier at the grocery store and her seemingly short and emotionless attitude. 

Each of those people you interacted with is wonderfully made and is made in the image of God. 

Therefore, each of those people holds human dignity. Each of those people must be seen through a heavenly lens, a lens that acknowledges the image of God within them. 

Recognizing the Imago Dei in Others

The foundation for honoring others begins with the recognition that every person is made in the image of God. From the moment the imago Dei is mentioned in Genesis, we see that God has instilled an inherent dignity and worth in every human being. The Bible teaches us that when God created humanity, He declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). This declaration reflects the value and honor that God places on human life. 

Regardless of their background, status, age, or abilities, each person must be treated with the respect and honor they deserve as bearers of the divine image. 

Biblical Examples of Honoring the Imago Dei

Scripture provides numerous examples of how we are to honor the imago Dei in others. One of the most powerful illustrations is found in the teachings of Jesus. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus challenges us to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of social or ethnic differences. The Samaritan’s actions toward the injured man demonstrate what it means to honor the imago Dei—showing compassion, offering assistance, and treating others with dignity and respect. 

In the Old Testament, we see God’s commandments to the Israelites to care for the vulnerable as a direct expression of honoring the imago Dei. For instance, in Leviticus 19:32, God instructs His people, “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.” This commandment highlights the importance of showing respect and honor to the elderly, recognizing their value as image-bearers of God. 

Similarly, the book of Exodus emphasizes the need to protect the dignity of those who are vulnerable in society. God commands, “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn” (Exodus 22:22-24). When God commands us to show dignity and respect to all image-bearers, He does so with seriousness. His heart is for the marginalized to be protected and honored by those who carry His name. 

Honoring Others Through Justice and Compassion

Honoring the imago Dei in others also involves pursuing justice and showing compassion, particularly toward those who are marginalized or oppressed. The prophets of the Old Testament frequently called the people of Israel to account for their failure to honor the imago Dei by neglecting justice and mistreating the vulnerable. 

In Isaiah 1:17, the prophet exhorts, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” This call to action is a reminder that honoring the imago Dei is not merely a passive acknowledgment but requires active engagement in seeking justice and advocating for those whose dignity is denied. 

Building a Community that Reflects the Imago Dei

To truly live out the imago Dei in community, we must strive to create environments where everyone is honored and valued. This means fostering relationships that are rooted in love, respect, and mutual care. The New Testament continually calls believers to honor one another. Romans 12:10 urges, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” 

In the Church, this call to honor should be evident in how we treat each other, how we serve those in need, and how we advocate for justice. By creating communities that reflect the imago Dei, we bear witness to the world of the transformative power of God’s love and the inherent worth He has placed in every person. 

May we, as Christians, be known by how we honor one another. 

Join us as we walk through our Image of God study over the next several weeks. Access the study for free!