In response

In response to a question posed on facebook by my friend Jonathan:

Q:What gives a person value? More importantly, what is a proper basis from which to value another person? Fundamentally, why should I value you as a person? Am I more or less valuable than you? What criterion do you provide and apply to support your conclusion? I'm most interested in what people think.

Well Jonathan, this is what I concluded at 3 in the morning when I read your post, but decided against posting...

 

We all as God’s creation have value; unfortunately this does not directly translate to our importance to one another. We all have different needs, and with those needs we look to different sources for fulfillment. Where one person has great value in someone’s eyes, the same value cannot be found in them, as seen through the eyes of a different person. I think where I find myself assessing the most value to those around me is in those souls which I have found to be trustworthy, to keep confidences, and with whom I can share my burdens. Their value is inherently greater to me because I know I can count on them to be there for me when life is rough. These are the people that will stand by your side even when the waves are crashing over you and nothing seems to be going right. The people that have solid values and keep you on the moral path, who force you to think through your decisions, who challenge you to abstain from wicked thoughts and tendencies, and who truly appreciate YOUR value.