The Christian and Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is defined by Webster as “a confidence and satisfaction in oneself; self-respect.” Sadly, however, there are those in the world who have low self-esteem. They do not have self-respect, self-honor or self-worth. Jesus says in Matt. 22:39 that “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We are to actually love ourselves. It is not sinful to love yourself. We are commanded to respect ourselves and honor ourselves. Scripture teaches us how valuable we are in the eyes of God. You are a treasure to God.
You were created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-28): Mankind is the pinnacle of the creation of the earth. We are the crowning jewel of God’s creation. Right off the bat, that makes us valuable — more valuable than the fish, birds, cattle, cats and dogs. That immediately should help us understand the value of every human being, including yourself.
You were bought at a price (I Cor. 7:23): In our world today, we determine the value of things by how much they cost. If you were to purchase yourself, how much would you cost? All the gold and silver in this world could not purchase us; it took the blood of Jesus (I Pet. 1:18-19). Let that sink in. That is how valuable you are.
God knows you and loves you personally (I John 4:16): Our finite minds are incapable of grasping the magnitude of how much we are actually loved by God (Eph. 3:18-19). God is love, and He expressed it to all mankind — as loudly as He could — by giving His Son to die for us.
The joy and peace of being forgiven by God (Rom. 4:7-8): There is great blessing in knowing your sins have been forgiven. The prodigal son didn’t think he could go home (Luke 15:22-24). The Father loves you, still wants you to come home, still wants to forgive you. There is rejoicing in the heart of the one who has been forgiven (Luke 15:24).
You are chosen, royal, holy and special (I Pet. 2:9): We are sons and daughters of God (II Cor. 6:17-18), therefore, behave like sons and daughters of the King. Walk worthy of your calling. Understand who you are and whose you are. You are a treasure. You are so valuable, Christ died for you.
Allow God’s appraisal of you to enhance your self-image and self-esteem, and to encourage the spiritual growth He desires. God wants you to know you are loved and valued by Him. Having a healthy self-esteem means I love and value myself highly — because God does.
