In the new year, The Salvation Army Canada updated their core values. They scaled down from 10 values, to 4 so that we could better remember and understand what we all strive to work within.
Dignity is one of the current 4 core values.
This reminds us that at our core as an organization, we strive to respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
There are many stories of how Jesus showed dignity and respect to those who had been outcast by society, but one of my favourites is when He speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).
Jesus could have used many reasons to ignore, poorly treat and look down on this woman that would be in line with the cultural norm of the time. She was from a town/people group labelled as scum, she had a nasty past, and she was a woman. But Jesus didn’t let any of that stop Him from treating her with dignity and respect, talking to her, listening to her, and not judging her.
When we follow Jesus example of dignity and respect it starts at the core of believing every person is created in God’s image and has immense value. When we work with clients we seek to build on their strengths, capacities, and hopes for the future, just as Jesus did in this story.
The focus of our work, and the example Jesus gives us is one of breaking down barriers, diminishing us/them perceptions, and striving to bring dignity and respect to all. We do this as we continue striving to be “The Hand of God, in the Heart of the City.”
Grace & Peace,
Erin
Prayer
Loving God,
Creator of dignity and all that lives,
Help us be bridges.
Help us cry out for respect and value for all
When society forgets that at in our most basic nature,
We are all God’s children.
Amen.
(Adapted from here)