Something Deep and Binding

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

A reading titled Something Deep and Binding was written by Wynn Collier. Amina, an Iraqi immigrant, and Joseph, an American from birth, attended a political protest on opposite sides. We've been taught to believe that those who are separated by ethnicity and politics carry unbridled animosity toward each other. However, when a small mob accosted Joseph, trying to set his shirt on fire, Amina rushed to his defense. I don't think we could be any further apart as people, Joseph told a reporter.

And yet, it was just kinda like this common, that's not okay, moment. Something deeper than politics knit Amina and Joseph together. Though we often have genuine disagreements with one another, substantial differences we often can't ignore, there are far deeper realities that bind us together. We're all created by God and bound together in one beloved human family.

God has created each of us, regardless of gender, social class, ethnic identity, or political persuasion, in his own image. Whatever else might be true, God is reflected in both you and me. Further, he's given us a shared purpose to fill and rule God's world with wisdom and care. Whenever we forget how we're bound together in God, we do damage to ourselves and others. But whenever we come together, in his grace and truth, we participate in his desire to make a good and flourishing world.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Genesis chapter 1, verses 26 through 28. Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he created them. Male and female, he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, and over every living creature that moves on the ground.

Let's pray. God, the way the world is right now, it's hard to believe that, because of you, every person shares something deep inside. Help us to see each person as you see them, regardless of our differences.

Someone created in your image. Help us to treat them with love and dignity, seeking ways to further your kingdom and bring healing to our relationships. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. I'm Stephen, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.