January Devotions

Our theme for the next seven days is framed in the notion of  “Small Steps Toward Others”

Seeing People as Beloved

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created humans to be like himself; he made men and women. God gave them his blessing.”

The idea of being made in the image of God—imago Dei—means that humans reflect divine qualities and hold a special place in creation. It’s not about physical appearance, but about our capacity for reason, morality, relationships, and our role as God’s representatives on Earth.

But what is the primary nature of the image of God? At the heart of it is love. As 1 John teaches, “God is love”. Love is not merely something God does; it is who He is. His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and life-giving, most clearly shown in sending Jesus as the ultimate act of redemption.

If God sees us as made in His image, then every person we encounter is a reflection of His love. To see others rightly is to see them as beloved by God—not merely as people with faults, differences, or usefulness to us, but as souls cherished by the Creator.

Imagine walking into a crowded room and pausing to notice the faces around you. Each person carries a story, a history, and a heart made in God’s image. Seeing them through God’s eyes—beloved, cherished, and valued—changes how you treat them. A simple smile or a patient word can reflect God’s love in a tangible way.

Lord, help me to see others as You see them—as beloved, made in Your image, and worthy of love. Teach me to reflect Your love in my words and actions, to notice the value in every person I meet, and to treat them with the dignity and care that comes from Your heart. Amen.

Practice: Bless someone silently as you pass them.