When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you see someone who is flawed and sinful? Do you see someone made in the image of a loving God? It can be difficult to see ourselves as God sees us—as individuals created in His image for a purpose and with great potential. But when we understand what it means to be made in God's image, we can see ourselves in a new light.
Discover…
- What it means to be living proof of being made in God's image and how you can respond in your everyday life
Be encouraged by…
- Bible verses that talk about how you are made in God’s image.
As you continue your journey on who you are in Christ, may you know your true identity in Him and gain a deeper understanding of how God made you and how cherished you are!
How You are Made in God's Image
When you read the Bible, you'll see that one of the foundations of truth is that we are made in God's image. This speaks to how you are viewed by God and how you are made to reflect who He is–love.
God gave each of us unique gifts so that we may carry out His purposes for our lives. The Almighty God has a purpose for all of His children, and He went to great lengths to create each of us beautifully and wonderfully.
- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”—Ephesians 2:10
Because of His divine design, you can…
- Be grateful that God made you
- Express your gratitude to Him
- Be grateful for your body, your mind, and your heart
- Realize how magnificent the Lord created you as your relationship with Him deepens
You were made with a life purpose and a capacity to accomplish beautiful things for the Lord.
Bible Verses About How You Are Made in God's Image
There are so many Bible verses about how we are made in God's image. Below are just a few to get you started. If you want to take this content further, ask God to highlight the verses He wants you to pay close attention to. Write them down and pray them throughout the next several days or weeks.
- “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”—Genesis 1:27
- “For You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”—Psalm 139:13-14
- “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”—Ephesians 1:4-5
- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”—Ephesians 2:10
- “…and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…”—Colossians 3:10
- “Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.”—Genesis 9:6
- “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”—Colossians 1:15
“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it, we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.”—James 3:9
What Does Made in God's Image Mean?
When you've been made in God's image, you have the potential to reflect His qualities and character. You can love and be compassionate, show kindness and forgiveness, as well as create and carry forth life into existence.
We have a body, soul, and spirit, and all aspects of us are to align with the One who created us so that we reflect His image.
- “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Thessalonians 5:23
We were designed to produce new life through the unity of marriage and manage what we have with Him as our authority. These reflect His life-giving character and rule.
- “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”—Genesis 1:28
We were designed to be creative and to think with the mind of Christ.
- “For ‘who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”—1 Corinthians 2:16
We are made in God's image. Therefore, we matter to Him. He has a specific plan for our lives and wants us to have abundant life, peace, and be equipped to persevere.
In Christ, you are His child, and He loves you unconditionally. Understanding what it means to be made in God's image can encourage you to embrace your identity. You can find strength in who you are and feel confident in your purpose in life.
How We Represent God's Image
When we say that humans are made in God's image, we're not just saying that we have some of the same characteristics as Him. We're saying that we are designed to represent Him on this earth. God made us in His image to others His love and compassion.
Think about it this way: When you see a beautiful sunset, you catch a glimpse of God's glory. When you hold your child and feel overwhelming love, you're experiencing a tiny piece of what God feels for us all the time. We are to think of Him and allow His attributes to be manifested through us in everything we do, from the little things to the life-altering moments. When we do, He is glorified and others catch a glimpse of our loving God.
- “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”—1 Corinthians 10:31
So remember who you are. God, the Creator of the universe, loves and values you. You are important and have a unique purpose in this world. Embrace that truth, and let it flow through you so that His light shines in everything you do.
How Can We Respond to the Fact That God Made Us in His Image?
In light of the truth that we are made in God's image, our response is vitally important. It is essential to recognize that we have been created with certain eternal qualities and are seen as having a deep inner worth. Each person is a unique combination of gifts, talents, and abilities—all stamped with the sovereign imprint of God.
Romans 12:2 provides a gentle yet direct reminder to live up to the high calling we have been given as those made in His image. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
This verse shows us that we need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus—not on our imperfections or any external standards—to live out of the place of our true identities in Him and grow closer to Him.
We don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed about how God made us. Instead, we can see how we are made as an honor and privilege to reflect the Creator in such a unique way. This should bring a sense of awe, wonder, and humility into our daily walk.
Discover More
As Christians, we need to understand how God made us in His image.
- We are not an accident.
- We were made with a purpose.
- We were made to reflect God's character and to have a personal relationship with Him.
When we understand our identity in Christ, it changes everything–how we believe, think, and act. Through this knowledge given to us by the Holy Spirit, we understand we no longer have to strive to be someone we're not. We can rest in the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
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