In the Image of God

If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realize that every person is worthy of our giving.  Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we may receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, his creation.  God created that person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory.  Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives.  Jesus offered his precious blood on the cross for that person.  Appearances notwithstanding, every person is immensely holy and deserves our love.  Consequently, if I can help at least one person to have a better life, that already justifies the offering of my life.  It is a wonderful thing to be God’s faithful people.  We achieve fulfillment when we break down walls and our heart is filled with faces and names!

 — Pope Francis, from The Joy of the Gospel, 274