I think that anything that begins to give people a sense of their

"I think that anything that begins to give people a sense of their own worth and dignity is God." — With these thought-provoking words, John Shelby Spong touches upon a deep and profound truth: that the recognition of the inherent worth of each human being is not just a philosophical ideal but a divine principle. To know one’s dignity is to begin to recognize the presence of the Divine within oneself. The sense of worth that comes from understanding one’s value in the eyes of God is transformative, a power that elevates the soul and aligns the heart with the very essence of divine love. Spong's words speak of the divine spark within every human, a light that shines brightest when we know we are created with purpose, beauty, and the potential to love and create.

The teachings of the ancient philosophers spoke frequently of the inherent value and dignity of the human being. In Plato's Republic, he describes the soul as an eternal and precious thing, something that transcends the body and should be treated with the utmost respect. The Stoics, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, taught that the path to a fulfilled life was through understanding the divine nature within oneself and living in accordance with virtue. To recognize the inherent value of the self was to live in alignment with the Divine order of the universe. These philosophers recognized that self-worth was not contingent upon wealth or status, but upon one's understanding of their relationship with the cosmos and with God.

In Christian thought, the idea of human dignity is rooted in the belief that each person is created in the image of God. Jesus Christ came not to elevate the powerful, but to offer hope to the marginalized — to tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. His teachings constantly reminded humanity of their intrinsic worth, regardless of their social status or failures. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses those who are poor in spirit, the meek, and the mournful, showing that God's love is not bound by the societal measures of value. In this way, Jesus showed that the dignity of a person is something God-given, and it cannot be stripped away by any human judgment or circumstance.

Consider the story of Nelson Mandela, whose life was a living testament to the idea that dignity and worth are divine qualities inherent in every human being, regardless of the oppression they may face. After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged not bitter or broken, but with a deep understanding of the value of every human life. His belief in the inherent dignity of people, even those who had imprisoned him, led him to forgive and to champion equality and justice for all. Mandela's journey reflects a profound truth: when we see the worth of others as God does, we begin to live out the principles of love and peace that define the divine.

Spong’s statement encourages us to consider that God is not distant or unreachable, but present wherever we recognize the sacredness of human life. When we lift someone up, when we help them see their value, we are participating in the work of God. This recognition does not depend on any external achievement but is rooted in the truth that every person is a reflection of the Divine. In every act of kindness, every moment of encouragement, and every gesture of love, we are acting in alignment with the Divine will — because to recognize another's worth is to recognize the image of God in them.

The lesson that Spong imparts is both profound and simple: to recognize human worth and dignity is to recognize the Divine. In a world that often measures value by external markers such as wealth, appearance, or status, we are reminded that the true measure of a person lies in their intrinsic value as a creation of God. The divine presence resides in all people, and when we begin to see that, we are stepping into a spiritual truth that transcends worldly judgments. To honor the dignity of others, to offer them love, respect, and care, is to act in accordance with the will of God.

In our own lives, let us look for opportunities to lift others up, to help them see their inherent worth, and to offer them the recognition and love they deserve. This is not about flattery or superficial praise, but about recognizing the divine spark in every person we encounter. When we see others through the lens of their divine worth, we participate in the eternal work of God: the work of love, compassion, and justice. Let us strive to act as conduits for the Divine in the world, offering kindness and hope wherever we go, so that we may, in turn, inspire others to recognize the Divine within themselves.

Thus, the practical action is clear: honor the worth and dignity of those around you, not for their accomplishments or status, but because they are created in God’s image. Live in alignment with the divine principles of love and respect, knowing that in doing so, you are living in accordance with the highest truth. By doing so, we not only elevate others but also glorify God, recognizing His presence in all people and in all acts of kindness.