Can you see Him in others?

Lately I have been discouraged and at times even appalled by discussions and arguments between those who claim Christ as their Savior and those who don't. {Both IRL* and in the blogosphere.} There are so many heated discussions about things pertaining to faith and personal decision making. It seems like everyone has an opinion and makes it their personal mission in life to make those who have differing viewpoints see the error of their ways.

*IRL: in real life

Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be done in a loving or kind manner. Sure some people say things in a nice way but underneath the nice words there is underlying hostility on all sides of the debates. It has brought to mind something I read a few months ago. I read and reviewed a book Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World
written by N.D. Wilson. Hidden within it was this little gem of a thought...

"{We each} bear the image of God. But neither of us bears it completely."

Think about that for a minute... or two. Editor's Note: It is important to mention that I am considering this from a Biblically grounded viewpoint. For those of you reading this who may not be from that type of background I want you to know that this is in the context of the fact there IS a creator God who created all men and women in His image. {This fact is not up for speculation or discussion for the purposes of this post... it just IS.} When God created us, He placed within us, EACH of us, a visible mark or feature of Himself. We all bear the image of God.

Saved?
Lost?
It makes no difference!

God created us all in His image.

That being said, none of us bear the image of God completely. Sure, some of us more so than others. { I sure would hope that someone who claims to follow God would more closely resemble Him than someone who chooses to live denying His existence.} Yet, most certainly we can agree that none of us can boast of bearing God's image completely.

I venture to say that in all our differing opinions it would do us all some good to quit attacking those with opinions that differ from our own. { Both IRL and in blog-land! } Let us remember to take into account that God loves us all equally no matter where we are in relationship to him. { Whether we be devoted followers or outright disbelievers. } God doesn't play favorites and neither should we.

If you consider yourself to be a believer who follows God's commands I challenge you (myself included) to find a way to spread the love and forgiveness, and grace, and mercy God extends to you rather than logically trying to argue or force feed your opinions and views down another's throat. God doesn't impose himself on anyone - we shouldn't take it upon ourselves to do it for Him. If you feel like another is misled or misguided secretly and privately pray for that person while publicly loving on them. If we are who we claim to be, we should be known first and foremost for our LOVE.

Finally, for the person who is struggling to decide exactly who God is, or has decided to follow a belief system that doesn't revolve around Christ, or to those who don't believe in God at all - yes especially to you - I personally want to apologize {Again!} if you have ever been made to feel as if you are a bad person by a Christian.


The truth is we're all broken and sinful people. We each bear a glimmer of who God is.... but none of us fully!