Our society is passionate about justice and fairness, but doesn’t often provide a reason why. Without it, justice becomes selective. Certain people are protected, while others aren’t, and people become divided over who should take priority. Christianity provides a universal reason for universal justice: all people are made in the image of God and are to be treated with dignity and worth regardless of their race, ability, or status. When we understand the image of God and how it ties into the gospel of Jesus Christ, it renovates our perspective on ourselves, the people around us in our city, and our responsibility to reflect God’s love to the world.

For more on some of the topics we covered, you can explore the content below:

People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality is Not Just An Issue

The Good Work of Women, Part 1

Application Questions

1. Every human being is made in the image of God. How should that change the way you treat the people you work with, socialize with, and live with?  

2. When we take God out of the equation, what reasons are there to treat all people with dignity? What do you think would happen in a society that wants dignity for all but doesn’t ground it in the image of God? How do you see that at work in our society?  

3.  What would a church community that reflects the image of God look like in Los Angeles? How can you participate in that at Cornerstone? 

4. Think of some people you find it difficult to treat with dignity and worth (it could be individuals, people who disagree with you, etc.). How does the gospel lead you to treat them with deep and genuine respect? How can you put that into practice?