Should We Negotiate Dignity of Human Beings??

The profound truth of human dignity is not a prize to be earned or a privilege to be bestowed by mortal hands. It is an unassailable reality, an eternal echo of the divine. This dignity, which adorns every single person, finds its sacred origin in the foundational belief that a loving Creator, before the very first light dawned, deemed us worthy. Long before the stars were flung into existence and the mountains were hewn, each one of us was known, cherished, and etched upon the very palm of God.

This is a truth that transcends the fleeting political tides and the often-harsh judgments of humanity. Think about this, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14). We are not here by accident, nor are we a random product of chance. We are the intentional, beloved creation of a God who found us so worthy of love. Period. Our worth is not up for negotiation, for it is not ours to give or to take away.

In a world quick to draw lines and cast stones, the whisper of God reminds us that no one stands outside the boundless realm of love and grace. The greatest sin is not the one we imagine in others, but the pride that leads us to judge. Jesus, in a moment of profound clarity and compassion for a woman caught in the act of adultery, challenged the accusers with the immortal words: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” His lesson was clear: our place is not to condemn, but to love, for we are all in need of grace. So, give and take grace! Be kind!

The divine light does not discriminate based on the superficialities of this world. Regardless of our social standing, our political views, our sexual identity, or our ethnic background, God remains beside us, guiding us home. But this sacred presence can only be truly felt not by those who listen to the rigid doctrines of human-made institutions, but by those who dare to listen to the God within. As Rumi said, “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” The Creator resides in the sacred chamber of your heart, whispering of the wonderful being you are and how deeply, unconditionally, and absolutely He is in love with you. This profound, personal connection is the very essence of dignity.

To recognize the dignity in every person is to see a reflection of God in oneself and others. It is to walk in the knowledge that each soul is a unique, irreplaceable masterpiece. When we remember this, we move beyond judgment and into a space of profound and transformational love, allowing the divine whisper to guide us toward a world where every single person is seen, honored, and treasured as a beloved child of God.

Bishop Jos