“Look for Christ Our Lord in everyone and you will then have respect and reverence for all.” – St. Teresa of Jesus
We must be able to see God in everyone. In the old and in the young. In the rich and in the poor ones. In the healthy and in the sick. In the good and even in those who seem evil.
We are all created in the image of God – capable of loving, capable of doing good. It may be difficult to see this image where people have so chosen to live otherwise, but we must ask for the grace to see it.
For as long as a person lives, he is capable of repenting from his ways and changing his heart. He still has a chance to be truly human, truly a vessel of God’s love.
Let us leave the judging to God who alone knows the human heart. Our merciful God takes no pleasure in the death of wicked men and we should do the same.
“But if the wicked turns from all his sins that he has committed, and keeps all my statutes, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live. He shall not die. None of his transgressions that he has committed will be remembered against him. In his righteousness that he has done, he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” says the Lord GOD; “and not rather that he should return from his way, and live? – Ezekiel 18:21-23, WEB-BE
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"
One reply on “In The Image Of God”
To see Christ in others, especially the wicked, is a tall order, but with God’s grace, may we do so.
Beautiful inspiration, Joyce!