Character Calling: TreasuredSample

LED BY LOVE. Human beings are God’s most treasured creation. And because we’ve been made in God’s image, we live out our design when we follow God’s example in our patterns, rhythms, and behaviors. In part one of this four-week series, we explored how putting God first in our lives and loving him with all we are is one of the greatest steps in developing Christ-like character. But there is a second part to that equation: Jesus went on to say that we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Human beings are God's treasured creation. We all have intrinsic value given from him. So loving the people around us—no matter their color, station, or status—is one of the primary ways we are identified as God's children.

When we look at the last six of the ten commandments, we can see that they are a framework for how we are to reflect God’s character through the treatment of others. Some commandments are more obvious, like “don’t murder,” but some call us to deeply consider what’s happening in our thoughts, intentions, and motives toward others.

Consider: Ask yourself, “How am I doing at loving my neighbor?” Consider specific examples like the people on your street or in your building but also the people who are difficult to get along with. Are we sharing and reflecting the love of Jesus to them, and if not, how could we begin?