Breaking Down Walls: Seeing People as Equals in God’s Eyes

In our world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We categorize people—rich or poor, healthy or struggling, successful or “failing.” Sometimes, even unintentionally, we assign worth based on these labels. But as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently.

When Jesus walked the earth, He constantly turned societal norms on their heads. He dined with tax collectors, touched lepers, and valued women and children in ways unheard of at the time. He saw beyond external circumstances, looking straight into the heart.

If Jesus treated every person as equally loved and valuable, shouldn’t we do the same—especially when encountering those who are homeless, battling mental illness, or walking the road of recovery?

Recognizing the Imago Dei

The Bible teaches us that every human being is created in the image of God: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

This foundational truth levels the playing field. A person’s circumstances – whether it’s homelessness, addiction, or mental illness – doesn’t diminish their worth in God’s eyes. The same Jesus who died for you and me also died for the man on the street corner or the woman in the recovery meeting.

When we view others through this lens, compassion replaces judgment, and dignity replaces pity. We begin to see people not as “projects” to fix but as brothers and sisters to love.

Jesus’ Example of Equality

In Luke 7, Jesus is dining at Simon the Pharisee’s house when a woman known for her sinful reputation enters and anoints His feet with her tears and perfume. Simon sees her as “less than”—a sinner unworthy of Jesus’ attention. But Jesus sees her faith and devotion and lifts her up as an example.

This story reminds us to look past outward appearances or societal labels and recognize the beauty of a person’s soul. Just like Jesus didn’t see Simon as better than the woman, we must avoid seeing ourselves as greater than those who struggle.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NIV)

Serving Without Condescension

True service isn’t about doing good to feel good about ourselves; it’s about humbly walking alongside others.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV)

When we help someone in need, our goal should be empowerment, not charity that strips away dignity. Instead of seeing ourselves as “saviors,” we need to recognize that everyone has something to teach us. A person in recovery may have wisdom about resilience and grace. Someone facing mental health struggles may inspire us with their courage.

Building Relationships, Not Walls

One of the most powerful ways to treat others as equals is to build genuine relationships. Invite someone experiencing homelessness to share a meal with you, not as an act of charity but as a shared moment of connection. Sit and listen to the stories of those in recovery without rushing to offer advice. Learn the names of people you might normally pass by without a second thought.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12, NIV)

The Gathering Place, for example, creates a space where people can feel safe, valued, and seen. It’s a reminder that community can transform lives, not through handouts but through the radical act of belonging.

Living Out the Gospel

Jesus summed up the law and prophets with two commands: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)

Loving your neighbor means treating them as you would want to be treated—with respect, kindness, and a sense of equality.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

As Christians, let’s commit to seeing beyond labels. Let’s be a reflection of Christ’s love, offering hope to the brokenhearted and treating every person as our equal. In doing so, we not only honor God’s image in others but also fulfill our calling to be His hands and feet in a world desperate for grace.

Let’s tear down the walls of “greater than” and “less than” and live as a community where everyone is seen, known, and loved.

How might God be calling you to step outside your comfort zone to love someone today?