Image and evangelism

On Sunday, we began a look at what it means that every person is made in the image of God. Someone sent me a message this week that reminded me of the implications this has on our responsibility of evangelism. I ran across some great thoughts concerning the implications that God's image has on evangelism. Consider what one theologian said about it...

We are not to consider that men merit of themselves but to look upon the image of God in all men, to which we owe all honor and love. Therefore, whatever man you meet who needs your aid, you have no reason to refuse to help him. Say, "he is contemptible and worthless"; but the Lord shows him to be one to whom he has deigned to give the beauty of his image. Say that he does not deserve even your least effort for his sake; but the image of God, which recommends him to you, is worthy of your giving yourself and all your possessions. (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion)