Understanding the Divine Value of Humanity
Human life is sacred. This sacredness is not something mankind has achieved; it is not a badge of merit or success. Instead, life is a divine gift from God, bestowed upon each person. Because of this, every human being deserves honor and respect, as they are a reflection of the image of the King of Kings (Gen. 1:27).
The Bible acknowledges human flaws and weaknesses. It does not shy away from recording the missteps and failures of even the greatest figures—be it Moses, David, or the prophets. Yet, despite these shortcomings, the biblical tradition insists that both the soul and the body of a person symbolize God. The sanctity of human life is so profound that harming another person is seen as diminishing or destroying the divine image within them.
What’s remarkable is that this sacredness does not belong to just one person or one nation—it is shared by all of humanity. Every individual, regardless of their background, carries the likeness of God. This universal divine connection prevents the danger of worshiping humanity itself, as worship is reserved for what is extraordinary and unique. Since divinity is a shared quality among all people, it inspires respect rather than idolatry.
The Bible teaches us that reverence for God is intertwined with our reverence for other human beings. To harm or insult another person is as serious as offending God. Violence, in any form, is an act of desecration, and arrogance towards others is a blasphemous act against the Creator. Simply put, we honor God by honoring each other. (Rom. 12:10, Eph. 4:32)
The divine nature of humanity does not rest in our abilities—our intelligence, reasoning, or speech—but in our potential. We are called to be holy as God is holy. To truly reflect the divine within us, we must strive to imitate God’s mercy and love. By acting with kindness, compassion, and justice, we enhance the divine likeness within ourselves. As Psalms 115:8 reminds us, we become like what we worship. If we choose to act as God does, we move closer to embodying His holiness.
In recognizing the sacredness of human life, we embrace a profound truth: every person is a vessel of divine potential. To respect this truth is to honor the Creator who imbues us all with His image. May we live in a way that reflects this sacred calling, treating one another with the dignity and compassion that life itself demands.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 