Apple of God’s Eye
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Richard Sutton taught that believers are the apple of God's eye, a biblical idiom meaning we are cherished and precious to the Creator. Beginning with Psalm 17, which contains the refrain "Keep me as the apple of your eye," the lesson established that our value comes from two sources: we are created in God's image, and God paid an enormous price through Christ's sacrifice to redeem us. Sutton acknowledged the painful reality that people often communicate harsh judgments and accusations that make individuals feel like "bad apples"—worthless or unvalued. He illustrated this through the account of the woman at the well of Samaria, who faced social rejection due to her past and likely internalized the message that she was unworthy. Yet Jesus demonstrated redemptive grace by affirming her worth, giving her a second chance, and showing her she could be precious in God's sight and useful in His kingdom. The teacher encouraged the congregation to evaluate accusations against themselves by asking three critical questions: Is the accusation true? Is it helpful in revealing a genuine shortcoming? Is it necessary, or is it merely meant to hurt? This framework helps believers distinguish between valid correction and harmful criticism, allowing them to maintain their identity as valued children of God while remaining open to genuine spiritual growth.
Key Scriptures
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.