“Response-Ability”

Genesis 1: 27 “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them.”

In the Bible, we can learn through the stories, songs, and prayers about the character of God. We learn that God is wise, loving, challenging, steadfast, forgiving, and just. It is reasonable to assume that when God created human beings in his image, some of those characteristics would make up who we are too: we too can be wise, loving, challenging, steadfast, forgiving, and just. With those characteristics, created in God’s image, we have a responsibility to care and honour all human beings.

In this time of pandemic, we have all had to be a part of ending the crisis. By keeping social distance, wearing a mask, giving up our routines, and changing our habits, we ensure the most vulnerable are protected and we are honouring God’s creation. During the last couple months, we have also had to come face to face with our prejudices around race. It has been difficult to admit our own contribution to systemic racism. By raising awareness and our voices to say that ‘Black Lives Matter’, we are honouring God’s creation.

We have a “response-ability” to do our part to ensure safety and justice for all people because all people are created in the image of God.