How God’s Righteousness Breaks Down Barriers and Reveals Our True Worth
Introduction: The Problem of Judging by Appearance
Have you ever caught yourself making a snap judgment about someone based on how they look? Maybe it was the way they dressed, their skin color, or the group they hung out with. It’s something we all do from time to time, even if we don’t mean to. In our world today, especially when it comes to race relations, these quick judgments can build walls between us. But what if we tried to see people the way God does?
Made in the Image of God: Our True Value
The Bible says that every person—no matter where they come from, what they look like, or how different they seem—is made in the image of God. That means you, me, and everyone else carries something special inside. Our true worth isn’t found in our outward appearance, but in the fact that we reflect God’s own creativity and love. When we remember this, it changes how we see ourselves and others. It’s a powerful reminder that skin color, background, and style don’t determine anyone’s value.
Façade: Why We Hide Behind Masks
Even knowing our true worth, we sometimes feel the need to put up a façade—a mask that hides our real selves. Maybe we act tough, pretend to fit in, or cover up our insecurities. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that what’s on the outside matters more. Society often pressures us to look, act, or think a certain way, making us afraid to show who we really are. But God isn’t fooled by these masks. He sees past every façade and knows our hearts.
Marred Image: How Brokenness Affects Us
Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. Sometimes pain, prejudice, or rejection leave marks on our hearts. These wounds can make us build even thicker walls or judge others just to protect ourselves. When race relations get tough, it’s tempting to retreat behind stereotypes or misunderstandings. But even in our brokenness, the image of God in us remains. The good news is that God cares about our healing and wants us to see ourselves and others with compassion.
Righteousness Over Appearance: God’s Standard
God’s righteousness is different from what the world values. He doesn’t measure us by our looks, status, or popularity. Instead, He cares about our character, our love for others, and our willingness to do what’s right—even when it’s hard. This is good news! It means that we don’t have to keep up appearances to earn God’s love. He already knows us completely and wants our hearts to be honest and open.
Breaking Free from Superficial Judgments
Imagine a world where we stopped sizing each other up and started looking for the beauty within. It’s possible, but it starts with each of us choosing to break free from shallow judgments. When we look at someone, let’s pause and remember that they are a child of God, loved and valued beyond measure. Let’s be curious, willing to listen, and eager to learn about each other’s stories. That’s how we begin to build real connections and break down the walls that divide us.
Reflection: Questions for Personal Growth
· When was the last time I judged someone by their outward appearance?
· What “masks” do I wear, and why?
· How can I better remember that every person is made in God’s image?
· What steps can I take to value others’ hearts over their looks?
· How can I show more compassion and understanding in my daily life?
Conclusion: Seeking Deeper Beauty and Connection
God invites us to look deeper, to see beyond the surface, and to love others as He loves us. When we stop focusing on appearances and start appreciating the heart, we find real beauty and true connection. Let’s challenge ourselves to see the image of God in everyone, break down the façades, and build a world where love and understanding are stronger than any differences. Together, we can reflect God’s heart and make our communities richer with kindness, respect, and hope.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 