Bearing the Image of God

• The young men in 2 Kings 2:23-25 taunted Elisha for being bald. So here's a question that's meant to be light-hearted and acknowledges that the struggle is real. How's your hairline doing?
  
• In what ways have you experienced or have you seen the scorn, ridicule, or mocking of someone else?
  
• Read Genesis 1:26-31.
• How would you describe what it means to be made in the image of God? 
• What does it mean that we are to "rule," "subdue," or "have dominion"? How does being made in the image of God connect to this?
  
• Notice that "male and female" together bear the image of God. What does this tell us about God's intentions for the equal partnership between men and women?
  
• In what ways does bearing the image of God differentiate us from other living creatures spiritually, intellectually, relationally, behaviorally?
  
• What do we need to do to provide a safe place in the Church where we are all honoring the image of God in each person and are bearing the burdens of others more thoughtfully?
  
• ​Read James 3:7-12.
• James 3:9 directly connects us with Gen 1:26. Why does James bring this up in the context of taming our tongue?
• Why do you think it is impossible for us to tame our tongue (v8)?
• Under what circumstances are you most likely to let your tongue harm yourself or others?
• What can we do in those moments to help us use our words to help, rather than harm, others?