A small children’s book entitled, How Much Do You Love Me?, was a favorite of my children. Each time we read the book, they would stretch their tiny arms as wide as possible to demonstrate their love copying the examples in the book. What can melt the heart of a parent more than those tiny arms stretched wide and hearing the words, “I love you this much.”
Jesus stretched His arms open wide on the cross of Calvary, giving His life to demonstrate His love. What better way to show the value of life than with love? God’s gift to man? His only Son, showed genuine love and value of humanity from God’s heart.
1. Honor Everyone Genesis. 1:27; 9:6
Man being created by God in His own image signifies the honor God placed on humanity. The very thought that God wanted man to be like Him is awesome. “In His image” suggests looks, character, values, behavior, desires, goals, and yes, love. Having been created in the image of God Himself raises man’s value to immeasurable; God’s creation is priceless. God is the source of life, giver of life, the very breath of life. He gave man a personality which includes mind, emotion, and will, as well as a spiritual nature. This enables man to know God, commune with God and have a relationship with Him. What an honor!
2. Respect Everyone Mt. 5:21-22
Jesus begins these verses with the thought of what had been heard concerning the commandment not to kill. He is explaining the greater meaning of this sixth commandment as part of the Sermon on the Mount. God’s law is to protect human life from violence, death, and even abortion. Jesus noted that anger and name-calling also break this commandment. Anger “without cause shall be in danger of judgment” (Mt. 5:22 KJV). Two examples of name-calling are mentioned: “Raca,” and “fool,” with a variety of meanings which damage a person’s spirit and leave a feeling of worthlessness. The judgment for violation of these commandments begins in the lower court, moving to the higher court (Sanhedrin), and on to hell fire which is the eternal judgment.
3. Love Everyone Mt. 22:36-40
This is Jesus’ last week of public ministry. The Pharisees and Sadducees continue to question Jesus, hoping to ensnarl him with a question of religious law and cause Him to give an unpopular answer. He is teaching in the temple when asked to identify the Great Commandment — one that should be kept above all others. Jesus answered to love God with all our being, heart, soul, and mind. Continuing His answer, Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. The answer was simple: love God first and everyone else secondly. To show just how important these commandments were, Jesus stated, “on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Mt. 22:40 KJV).
4. Value Everyone Mk. 10:46-52
The story of Bartimaeus is a beautiful example of love in action. Bartimaeus, the blind man, called louder and louder as he heard Jesus was coming. Even though being warned to be quiet, Bartimaeus begged for mercy. Jesus heard him and answered with the gift of sight. He valued the blind man and recognized his faith: “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole” (Mk. 10:52 KJV). Bartimaeus, having received his sight, followed Jesus in gratitude and love. Jesus sees our heart, not our imperfect bodies and sinful nature.
In observation of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, let us envision the outstretched arms of Jesus embracing us personally as individual and collectively as His children. We reap the blessings of being loved by God and having the opportunity to serve Him. To be like Jesus — “in His image” — calls for honor, respect, love, and value of everyone.
Mellen Moore is a member of Macedonia Church, Petal, MS.
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