The Third OptionSmakprov

Rename Me as Part of your Family 

The Bible commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Yet we violate that commandment anytime we treat, talk about, or perceive our neighbors as anything less than valuable and worthy of honor. 

Remember how, in old Western movies, cowboys called Native Americans “savages”? This designation allowed cowboys to think of themselves as higher, better, and more worthy than Native Americans. It is an example of renaming someone as “less than” your equal, instead of someone of priceless value. Unfortunately, there are many of these examples still in use today. 

To honor the image of God in everyone, we must rename each as our “neighbor” – or better yet, our “brother” or “sister”. This positions everyone as part of your family and God’s, leveling the playing field in your mind, and allowing you to honor and respect people of all colors, instead of positioning yourself above or beneath them. In doing so, you will truly learn to love as Jesus did, and fulfill his commandment to Love and honor your neighbor as yourself.

Questions for the Day:

Think of a time where you allowed yourself rename someone in a way that gave you permission to not love or honor them. How did that make you feel? 

How do you think people given these labels feel? 

What is one way you can align your thoughts with Christ’s to ensure that you honor and respect the image of God in everyone you meet?