The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Image Bearers Are Loved

In the first chapter of the Bible, we uncover the foundations of our story. In the beginning, there was only God. Nothing else existed, nor did humanity live or breathe or move. With God as the author of the world’s story, he blazes us onto the pages of history as his image bearers— something unique from everything else he made. We are touched by God’s glory as his special creation, and because of that, we know we are wholly loved. God loves his handiwork. Taken to its beautiful conclusion, being made in his image helps us to love in three ways.

We love the one who created us, as a child loves a parent.

We love ourselves, because God created us, endowing us with uniqueness and value.

We love others, because they, too, bear his image, yet are delightfully original. This variety reveals the fullness of God’s love.

Today you have the opportunity to love God, love yourself, and love others. This is the essence of the gospel that Jesus would inaugurate in the New Testament. What a powerful realization that this redemptive way of living is foreshadowed in Genesis chapter one!

Lord, thank you for creating everything I see. I love you. And although it can be hard sometimes, I will try to love myself better. I pray you would empower me to love the people in my life today. Amen.

Thank God for who he is, how he rescued you, and the many gifts he has brought you this past year. Where do you see the fingerprints of God on you and your story? What are some tangible ways you can love God, others, and yourself this week).

Taken from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.