February 15th, 2026
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27
From the beginning and through the act of creation, God established dignity in relationships within his creation of humanity. “So God created man in His own image… male and female He created them”. Before even sin, hierarchy debates, or cultural interpretation — our very existence reflected God’s own. Men and women were created distinct yet equal in worth, designed to reflect God.
Communication, then, is not just a survival imperative or social convenience. It is sacred. Words are one of the primary ways image-bearers interact. Scripture consistently connects spiritual maturity with speech: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). James tells us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Peter commands husbands to show honor (1 Peter 3:7). Paul instructs that our speech be gracious (Colossians 4:6).
Years ago when we were on vacation at the beach with little kids, my wife and I had been quibbling about something, directly after which I trod into the surf and promptly got sucked out to sea by a riptide. As the current got stronger and I became more weary I got really worried about making it back. As it dawned on me that I might not make it, God brought to mind what a jerk I had been to my wife… and those could have been our last words!
I asked for her forgiveness as soon as I made my way back to the beach.
When a man or woman belittles the other, dismisses her, or speaks over him, they dishonors God’s design. When we speak with contempt, manipulation, or corrosive criticism, we distort that design as well. Redemption in Christ restores not just our relationship with Him, but the way in which we communicate as God’s creations.
Honor and respect in communication is evidence that the gospel has reached the tongue.
Something to ponder today: Where in my communication with the opposite sex does my tone fail to reflect the dignity of shared image-bearing?
