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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat does it mean to be in the image and likeness of God?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The expression \"image and likeness of God\" appears in the very first book of the Bible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.\" (Genesis 1:26)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that human beings were created with characteristics that reflect the Creator. Unlike animals, we have consciousness, morality, creativity and the ability to love unconditionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being in God's image is not about physical appearance, but about essence. God is spirit, and our likeness to him lies in our ability to think, choose, create and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our lives reflect the image of God in many ways. Whenever we show love, seek the truth or practice justice, we are acting in accordance with this divine likeness. Some practical ways include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1# Loving others<\/strong> - God is love, and when we practice empathy, forgive and help others, we reflect this characteristic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2# Act justly<\/strong> - God is just, and when we seek goodness, honesty and righteousness, we are manifesting that likeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3# Create and innovate<\/strong> - God is the Creator of all things, and our ability to invent, build and develop ideas is a reflection of Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4# Choosing between right and wrong<\/strong> - Unlike other living beings, we have a conscience and the freedom to make decisions, being able to choose a morally correct path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5# Relating to God and people<\/strong> - God lives in communion, and we too were created to have meaningful relationships, both with Him and with other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sin distorted this image, but did not erase it. With the entry of sin into the world, human beings turned away from God's purposes and began to act in a way that was contrary to God's nature. However, this image was never completely destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That's why, throughout our lives, we are called to draw closer to God again, seeking to restore that likeness through a life aligned with his values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we were created to reflect the image of God, how can we do this more faithfully? Some attitudes help us to manifest this likeness more clearly:<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do we reflect this image?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Have we lost that image over time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can we better reflect the image of God?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n