Through The Bible in a Year - January 9, 2026

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."– Genesis 1:27

This is perhaps the hardest application of Genesis 1:26-27: seeing God's image in people who hurt you.

When someone criticizes you unfairly, speaks sarcastically, or bludgeons you with words—it's incredibly difficult to remember they're made in God's image. Behind the accusing eyes, beneath the ugly words, there remains the image of God that you are called to regard with dignity and respect.

Not because you like their words. Not because you think they're right. But because being human means being made in God's image—and that's inseparable from their existence.

This is true in marriage when your spouse wounds you. It's true in church when someone attacks your character. It's true in your neighborhood with difficult people. There's no reason to regard them with respect or care except this one thing: they are made in God's image.

God may even be speaking truth to you through them, however imperfectly delivered. In their brokenness and blame, God might be saying, "I'm in this person. Listen. Remember what I have made and value my image in them."

Respond: Who in your life is hardest to see as made in God's image right now? Ask God to help you see past the behavior to the image-bearer beneath—and to show you if there's any truth you need to hear.

Prayer: Lord, this is so hard. Help me see Your image in people who hurt me, who criticize me, who treat me unkindly. Give me the grace to respond with dignity even when I don't receive it. Show me how to love my enemies and pray for those who use me despitefully, because they too are made in Your image. In Jesus' name, amen.