Scripture comes to our rescue with the best of reasons for doing good to all people. It teaches us not to regard others according to their own merits, but to consider in them the image of God to which we owe both honor and love. But the image of God should be more diligently regarded in those who are of the household of faith, because it has been renewed and restored in them by the Spirit of Christ (Galatians 6:10).
Therefore, you have no cause to evade anyone who stands before you and needs your service. Supposed he's a stranger. The Lord, however, has stamped him with His own mark that's familiar to you, and for that reason God forbids you to despise your own flesh. Suppose he is contemptible and worthless. The Lord, however, shows him to be whom He has condescended to decorate with His own image. Suppose you owe him nothing for what he's done. But God -- to whom you know you are obligated because of His many wonderful benefits to you -- puts Himself, as it were, in that person's place. Suppose he is unworthy of even your smallest labors for his sake. But the image of God, according to which this person is commended to you, warrants you giving of yourself and your all....When He orders you to forgive that man for whatever sin he has committed against you, He calls you to do so not because that man deserves it, but because God Himself has forgiven you (Luke 17:3-4). This is the only path to achieving that which is not only difficult for, but entirely adverse to, our human nature -- that is, loving those who hate us, repaying evil with good, and blessing those who curse us (Matthew 5:44). We must be sure not to dwell on the wickedness of men, but rather to consider the image of God in them. That image, concealing and obliterating their shortcomings, entices us by its beauty and dignity to love and welcome them.
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