Created in God’s Image: Community, Compassion, and the Trinity
Created in God’s Image, Called into Community
The God who created the heavens and the earth created us in His image and calls us to live in relationship with Him and with one another. As we draw closer to God, we grow closer to each other and reflect His love, compassion, and grace in the world.
One God, Three Persons
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one God revealed throughout Scripture. Trinity Sunday reminds us that the God who created us also calls us into relationship with Him and with one another.
Trinity Sunday reminds us who God is and who we are. Scripture teaches that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one God revealed in three Persons. Because we are created in God’s image, we were made for relationship, community, compassion, and purpose. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called not only to worship God but also to reflect His love and grace to the world around us.
Who is God? Who are we? Why are we here?
Those questions are at the heart of Trinity Sunday.
Genesis 1 reminds us that God created the heavens and the earth. Matthew 28 reminds us that the risen Christ sends His followers into the world. Together, these passages reveal that we were created by God, created in God’s image, created for relationship, and created for a purpose.
The God we worship is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because God exists in perfect love and relationship, we were created to live in relationship with Him and with one another. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to reflect His love, show compassion, and help others become disciples.
Scripture References
Genesis 1:1-31
Matthew 28:16-20
Psalm 8:3-8
John 1:1-18
John 14:8-9
Colossians 1:15-20
Trinity Sunday and the Church Year
Trinity Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday immediately following Pentecost.
On Pentecost, the Church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Trinity Sunday then reminds us who God is before we enter the long season known as Ordinary Time.
Ordinary Time does not mean ordinary or unimportant. The word comes from “ordinal,” meaning counted or ordered. This season focuses on discipleship, growth, and learning to follow Christ in everyday life.
The white paraments used on Trinity Sunday remind us of God’s holiness, purity, glory, and majesty.
The Story
The Bible begins with these words:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Before there was light, land, oceans, plants, animals, or people, there was God.
Creation did not happen by accident.
Again and again Genesis says:
“And God said…”
God spoke, and creation came into being.
Light appeared.
The earth was formed.
Life filled the seas, skies, and land.
Then God created humanity.
Unlike the rest of creation, human beings were created in God’s image and entrusted with caring for His world.
The Bible closes Jesus’ earthly ministry with another important command.
After His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples and declared:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
The God who created humanity now sends humanity into the world with a mission.
Understanding the Trinity
One of the challenges of Trinity Sunday is that the word “Trinity” never appears in Scripture.
If you searched a Bible concordance, you would not find it listed.
Yet the doctrine is woven throughout the Bible.
In Genesis:
- God creates.
- The Spirit of God hovers over the waters.
- God speaks creation into existence.
In John 1:
- “In the beginning was the Word.”
- The Word was with God.
- The Word was God.
- Through Him all things were made.
In Matthew 28:
Jesus commands His disciples to baptize:
” in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Christians therefore understand God to be one God revealed in three Persons:
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Not three gods.
One God.
The Trinity is ultimately a mystery beyond our complete understanding, but it reveals something important about God’s nature.
God is relational.
God is loving.
God exists in eternal fellowship.
Created in God’s Image
Genesis 1:27 declares:
“So God created mankind in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Every human being has value because every human being bears God’s image.
Men and women alike are created by God.
Neither is superior.
Neither is inferior.
Human worth is not based on:
- Wealth
- Accomplishments
- Appearance
- Intelligence
- Popularity
Our worth comes from the One who created us.
Being created in God’s image means we can:
- Love
- Create
- Communicate
- Reason
- Worship
- Choose
- Live in relationship
We are God’s representatives in the world.
Created for Community
One of the strongest lessons of Trinity Sunday is that we were never meant to live alone.
God Himself exists in relationship.
Father.
Son.
Holy Spirit.
Because we are created in God’s image, we are designed for community.
Rev. Emily used the image of a wagon wheel.
God is the hub.
We are the spokes.
As we move closer to God, we move closer to one another.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our relationships with others become healthier and stronger.
When people drift away from God, relationships often suffer.
The Church is not simply a building.
The Church is a community of believers growing together in Christ.
We need God.
And we need one another.
Community Leads to Compassion
The world often encourages people to focus on themselves.
Take care of yourself.
Promote yourself.
Protect yourself.
Build your own kingdom.
Jesus teaches something different.
Followers of Christ are called to look beyond themselves.
Compassion means noticing the needs of others and responding with love.
It means:
- Caring for neighbors
- Encouraging the discouraged
- Serving those in need
- Showing kindness
- Offering grace
- Sharing hope
When we understand that every person bears God’s image, it changes how we treat people.
The image of God is reflected not only in what we believe but also in how we live.
Looking Beyond Ourselves
One challenge from Trinity Sunday was simple but powerful:
Are we looking beyond our own noses?
Are we looking beyond ourselves?
Beyond our schedules?
Beyond our preferences?
Beyond our church building?
The Church exists not merely for itself but for the world God loves.
Our actions matter.
Our generosity matters.
Our choices matter.
The way we use our resources affects others.
God calls His people to be a blessing to others and to reflect His love throughout the community.
The Great Commission
Jesus declared:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
Then He gave His followers a mission:
“Go therefore and make disciples.”
The mission of the Church is not simply attendance.
The mission of the Church is discipleship.
Every believer has a role.
Some teach.
Some encourage.
Some serve.
Some lead.
Some pray.
Some share their testimony.
But every Christian is called to help others follow Jesus.
Worship and Community
The hymns chosen for Trinity Sunday helped reinforce the message:
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Come, Thou Almighty King
We Believe in One True God
Maker, in Whom We Live
Alleluia, Alleluia
Through worship we remember:
Who God is.
Who we are.
Why we are here.
Worship draws us closer to God and strengthens the community of faith.
Living the Message
This week ask yourself:
Am I growing closer to God?
Am I investing in Christian community?
Am I showing compassion to those around me?
Am I looking beyond my own needs?
Who needs encouragement from me?
How can I reflect God’s image this week?
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
- How does the Trinity teach us about relationships?
- Why is Christian community important?
- In what ways can you show compassion this week?
- How can you participate in making disciples?
Possible Answers
Being created in God’s image means reflecting God’s character and living in relationship with Him.
The Trinity shows that love and relationship exist within God’s very nature.
Christian community helps believers grow, worship, serve, and encourage one another.
Compassion reflects God’s love toward others.
Disciple-making often begins through simple acts of faithfulness and friendship.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Genesis 1:1-31
Matthew 28:16-20
Reasons We Believe
Scripture reveals one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who created humanity in His image and calls us into relationship with Himself.
Obedience in Action
Show compassion.
Invest in relationships.
Serve others.
Participate in the mission of making disciples.
Walk It Out
Look beyond yourself this week and intentionally reflect God’s love wherever God places you.
Related Pages
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Closing Invitation
The God who created you also calls you.
Created in His image, you are invited into relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As you draw closer to God, may you also grow closer to others and reflect His love, grace, and compassion in the world.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Visit PGUM.org to continue your journey of faith.
