— Midweek Meditations:
thoughts, inspiration and encouragement
from ACF community members —
1. Uniqueness in God’s creation: We are God’s creation
The concept of uniqueness in God’s creation refers to the belief that each individual is created as a distinct and special being. According to various religious beliefs, including those found in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, God has created every person with their own unique qualities, talents, and purpose. This idea emphasizes the inherent value and worth of everyone, as well as the importance of recognizing and appreciating the diversity and individuality present in the world.
As we are all set for the Conference on Racial Justice we are called to rethink about the uniqueness of each of God’s creation. Each being distinct but intrinsically valuable in the presence of God. A just community acknowledges this value of each and does not discriminate one aganst the other.
The idea of uniqueness suggests that humans possess qualities or attributes that reflect the nature of God. While interpretations may vary, some common understandings include the belief that humans have the capacity for reason, morality, creativity, and the ability to form relationships. Being created in God’s image is often seen as a source of inherent dignity and worth, emphasizing the value and significance of every human being. One therefore does not have any right to consider another of any less value or importance
3. Uniqueness in equality: We are all equal in God’s sight
God created humankind in God’s own image. This highlights the belief in the complementary nature of all humanity and the idea that all are equally valued and important in God’s creation. No colour gives one superiority over another and no ethnicity make one inferior to another. The stratification of society that makes some more equal than the other is a human construct that need to be constantly challenged.
The rich and the powerful tries to sustain such marginalisation of communities to their advantage and lives in the profit made from exploiting the other. One of the basic affirmations of uniqueness should therefore be the affirmation of equality of all before God.
Equality is the soul of liberty. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all human beings are born free and are equal in dignity and rights. But the reality we see around in the world today is in start variance to this concept. Inequality takes various forms and manifestations and if we are committed to build a new world order we should be willing to be practitioners of the kingdom vaues and not just preachers.
3. Uniqueness in talents : Appreciating diversity
God created human being with different abilities and talents. All human beings are unique in their talents. One must not think that the other person is not valuable or less valuable. In God’s sight since all are equal. We should learn to appreciate the diversity and also the uniqueness in the other person.
Appreciating the diversity and uniqueness in others is an essential aspect of fostering understanding, respect, and harmony in our interactions. Each person possesses their own set of experiences, perspectives, and qualities that make them distinct. By recognizing and valuing this diversity, we can cultivate a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Appreciating diversity also means embracing the differences in race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, and more. It involves acknowledging that these differences contribute to the richness of our collective human experience. By embracing diversity, we can learn from one another, broaden our horizons, and challenge our own biases and assumptions.
Simultaneously, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual is equally important. Each person has their own talents, strengths, and qualities that make them special. By appreciating and celebrating these unique attributes, we can foster a sense of self-worth and encourage others to embrace their own individuality.
In summary, appreciating diversity and uniqueness in others involves recognizing and respecting the differences that make each person valuable and understanding that everyone has something valuable to contribute. By embracing diversity and celebrating uniqueness, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
The ACF Midweek Meditations
are written by a diverse group of our church members with the intention to seek God’s fingerprints in our lives. They range from somber to humorous and are inspired by all facets of live and faith. Written by ordinary people from all walks of life, they reflect a wide range of Christian backgrounds and spiritualities.
Each week’s text portrays the individual viewpoint of its author. They might not always resonate with everyone, and are not meant to be understood as representing the Anglican Church Freiburg as a whole. Yet, as a church that is aiming to ‘Build a Community of Grace’ we seek to practice learning from and listening to one another.
We pray that these humble ponderings add a small spark of blessing to your week.
Freiburg Anglican Church 