Self-acceptance

<<understanding who I am>>

It is owning my self and feeling good about who I am, even with the flaws and mistakes I make and regardless of what is happening in my world. Believing I am made in God’s likeness will foster a positive image – God declared His handiwork as very good (Gen 1:26,27,31; Eph 2:10). Added to this, I am one of His children, accepted because of what Jesus did on my behalf at the cross (Eph 1:6; Col 1:20, 2:14; 1 Pet 2:24). I am infinitely valuable to Him.

Accepting oneself on the basis of God’s evaluation removes the need to compare myself to others or be dictated to by their opinions and submit to peer pressure. ‘By the grace of God I am what I am’, and therefore I am co-operating with Him to become all He has

I believe in me because He does

planned for me to be (1 Cor 15:10; 2 Cor 10:12). So don’t criticise what God has made, and is making of you, instead declare, ‘I feel good about me, because Jesus does!’ David stated, “Keep me as the apple of your eye…Oh God how precious to me are your thoughts” (Ps 17:8, 139:17).

Good mental health is founded upon self-acceptance. One of the key roles of parents is to foster the development of a good self-image in their children, by emphasising their worth (to God and their family) and appreciating their uniqueness

See also: opinions, peer pressure, self-esteem.