Reminding Oneself of Imago Dei in Disagreements with Others
The doctrine of the imago Dei—that human beings are made in the image of God—appears in Genesis 1:26-27 as the foundational statement of human dignity. This theological claim asserts that every person, regardless of moral standing or agreement with us, bears the divine image and thus possesses intrinsic worth. When disagreements arise, this doctrine functions as a corrective lens, reorienting how Christians view those with whom they contend.
The Biblical Call to Unity Amid Difference
Scripture repeatedly commands believers to maintain relational harmony even when differences exist. Paul writes, "Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits" [1]. The phrase "be of the same mind" does not demand intellectual uniformity but rather a posture of mutual regard. Adam Clarke interprets this as a call to "live in a state of continual harmony and concord, and pray for the same good for all which you desire for yourselves" [2]. The command to "condescend to things that are lowly" warns against the pride that elevates one's own perspective above another's humanity. Clarke notes that "the attachment to high things and high men is the vice of little, shallow minds" [2], suggesting that intellectual arrogance in disagreement reveals spiritual immaturity rather than strength.
Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians similarly emphasizes unity: he beseeches them "by the name of our Lord Jesus" to "all speak the same thing" and avoid divisions [3]. Clarke explains this as striving to "be of the same heart and mind, striving together for the hope of the Gospel" [3]. The appeal is grounded not in natural affinity but in the authority of Christ, under whose lordship all believers stand equally.
Recognizing the Common Bond
one commentary tradition on Romans 12:16 identifies "the feeling of the common bond which binds all Christians to each other" as the central concern, noting that this bond transcends "whatever diversity of station, cultivation, temperament, or gifts may obtain among them" [5]. This common bond is rooted in shared creation and, for believers, shared redemption. To "mind not high things" means to resist the temptation to sever "our own interests and objects from those of our brethren" [5]. Disagreement becomes destructive when it leads us to view the other as fundamentally alien rather than as a fellow image-bearer.
The imago Dei doctrine insists that even the person who opposes us reflects something of God's nature. This does not mean all positions are equally valid, but it does mean that the person holding an erroneous view remains a creature of dignity. The Puritan Matthew Henry, reflecting on Philippians 3:15, observes that "however good Christians may differ in their sentiments about other things, this is what they are agreed in, that Christ is a Ch[rist]" [6]. The shared center—Christ—relativizes peripheral disagreements and reminds believers that their opponent in debate is not their ultimate enemy.
Guarding Speech and Posture
David's reflection in Psalm 39:1 reveals the discipline required in conflict: "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue." Henry notes that David "remembered the covenants he had made with God to walk circumspectly, and to be very cautious both of what he did and what he said" [7]. When tempted to sin in speech—through contempt, mockery, or dehumanization—believers must recall their vows. The imago Dei functions as such a vow: a prior commitment that constrains how we speak of and to others.
Paul's rebuke of Corinthian "self-sufficiency and disputatiousness" [4] warns against the posture that treats disagreement as an opportunity for self-display rather than truth-seeking. The contentious person, who "thinks himself right in being so" [4], has forgotten that both he and his opponent stand under divine judgment. Remembering the image of God in the other tempers this self-sufficiency, replacing it with the humility appropriate to creatures.
Practical Application
To remind oneself of the imago Dei in disagreement requires deliberate mental discipline. Before responding, one might ask: Does this person bear God's image? Would I speak this way to Christ, in whose image they are made? The doctrine does not eliminate the disagreement but transforms its tone and aim. The goal shifts from victory to truth, from silencing to persuading, from contempt to respect. The image of God in the other person becomes a theological fact that governs conduct, even when that person's arguments seem manifestly wrong.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 12:16 (ASV) — Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 12:16: Be of the same mind - Live in a state of continual harmony and concord, and pray for the same good for all which you desire for yourselves. Mind not high things - Be not ambitious; affect nothing above your station; do not court the rich nor the powerful; do not pass by the poor man to pay your court to the great man; do not affect titles or worldly distinctions; much less sacrifice your conscience for them. The attachment to high things and high men is the vice of little, shallow minds. However, it argues one important fact, that such persons are conscious that th”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 1:10: Now I beseech you, brethren - The apostle having finished his introduction comes to his second point, exhorting them to abstain from dissensions, that they might be of the same heart and mind, striving together for the hope of the Gospel. By the name of our Lord Jesus - By his authority, and in his place; and on account of your infinite obligations to his mercy in calling you into such a state of salvation. That ye all speak the same thing - If they did not agree exactly in opinion on every subject, they might, notwithstanding, agree in the words which they u”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 11:16: A summary close to the argument by appeal to the universal custom of the churches. if any . . . seem--The Greek also means "thinks" (fit) (compare Mat 3:9). If any man chooses (still after all my arguments) to be contentious. If any be contentious and thinks himself right in being so. A reproof of the Corinthians' self-sufficiency and disputatiousness (Co1 1:20). we--apostles: or we of the Jewish nation, from whom ye have received the Gospel, and whose usages in all that is good ye ought to follow: Jewish women veiled themselves when in pub”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 12:16: Be--"Being" of the same mind one toward another--The feeling of the common bond which binds all Christians to each other, whatever diversity of station, cultivation, temperament, or gifts may obtain among them, is the thing here enjoined. This is next taken up in detail. Mind not--"not minding" high things--that is, Cherish not ambitious or aspiring purposes and desires. As this springs from selfish severance of our own interests and objects from those of our brethren, so it is quite incompatible with the spirit inculcated in the preceding claus”
- Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 3:15: The apostle, having proposed himself as an example, urges the Philippians to follow it. Let the same mind be in us which was in blessed Paul. We see here how he was minded; let us be like-minded, and set our hearts upon Christ and heaven, as he did. 1. He shows that this was the thing wherein all good Christians were agreed, to make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. This is that whereto we have all attained. However good Christians may differ in their sentiments about other things, this is what they are agreed in, that Christ is a Ch”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 39:1: David here recollects, and leaves upon record, the workings of his heart under his afflictions; and it is good for us to do so, that what was thought amiss may be amended, and what was well thought of may be improved the next time. I. He remembered the covenants he had made with God to walk circumspectly, and to be very cautious both of what he did and what he said. When at any time we are tempted to sin, and are in danger of falling into it, we must call to mind the solemn vows we have made against sin, against the particular sin we are upon the brink of. God can”