Self-esteem

<<attitude towards self>>

Self-esteem refers to an individual's confidence in their abilities and accomplishments. This sense of self-acceptance is influenced by perceived performance and public opinion, which can result in significant fluctuations. In contrast, self-worth is the internal belief in one's core value, independent of external factors or achievements. Our worth is because we are made in God’s image, so accept His genuine estimation of yourself and do not buy into the devil’s opinion – he is jealous because of the position he forfeited (Isa 14:12-15). Even when we sin, God still loves and values us, although He is not pleased with our behaviour and longs for us to repent and restore the relationship.

Through self-evaluation, we determine our worthiness of love, both from ourselves and others. This can result in positive or negative feelings and is further reflected in the relationships and people we surround ourselves with. We evaluate our success or failure in achieving our values, yet it is important not to associate failure with a lack of self-worth.

Our appraisal and the estimations of others can be defective. If we depend on people to give us a sense of significance, they can also take it away! We must see ourselves as being chosen in Christ through God’s eyes. We then discover “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 Jn 3:1).

You are looking at a masterpiece of God in your mirror

For self-esteem to be honest and healthy, it should be rooted in our fundamental qualities and attributes rather than focusing on what we do, our possessions, or the approval of others (Rom 12:3).

As the world judges by appearance and achievements not all of us can get ‘pass’ marks in these categories, and consequently, in the natural, suffer from low self-esteem, reflecting the opinion, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Num 13:33). While we may feel insignificant in ourselves, we can make an invaluable contribution to God’s Kingdom if we team up with Him, so believe in yourself more than the criticism and negative opinions of others knowing your feeling of self-worth will increase when you make significant contributions into the lives of others. Self-love is not wrong, provided it is the springboard to love others as much as we love ourselves, but it is unhealthy when a person only loves themselves to the exclusion of others (Mk 12:31; Lk 12:15-21; Eph 5:29,33; 2 Tim 3:2).

Be thankful for what has already been accomplished and look forward to the promising future. Recognise your position and power in Christ, tempered with a realistic assessment of your weaknesses and inabilities. Also, humbly accept, from His loving hands, the unchangeable features He has brought into your life. Identifiable characteristics

that distinguish individuals include basic physical features, parentage, gender, and times of birth and death. While these are beyond one's control, certain aspects of personality can be altered to some extent through cosmetic surgery. Allow His character to be developed in you through the limitations and what may appear to be defects, adopting Paul’s attitude of, “I am happy to be weak and have troubles, so I can have Christ’s power in me” (2 Cor 12:9).

We are the workmanship of God, created by Him as masterpieces (Gen 1:27; Ps 139:14). Although marred by sin, this issue is addressed through the sacrifice of Christ, allowing individuals to lead a new life in Him. There exists a tension between our current position and our identity in Christ. God deemed humanity worthy of His sacrifice, presence, and use for fulfilling His purposes, besides spending eternity with Him (Eph 2:10). Hence, it is significant to acknowledge that we are chosen by Him as His children (Jn 15:16).

There are two predominant perspectives for self-assessment. One perspective is marked by a focus on one's shortcomings rather than the empowering influence of Christ, while the other perspective features arrogance, pride, and excessive confidence (Jdg 7:2; Jn 5:19,30; Act 3:12; Phil 4:13). Between these two extremes lies a healthy balance of

What we do is not as important as what we are

humble dependence on God, where our ‘boasting’ is only of what God has done for us (Ps 34:2; Jer 9:23,24; 1 Cor 1:31). ‘By the grace of God, I am what I am’ for I am consciously applying the principles of the Bible and responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit into my spirit, doing whatever He says to me, knowing that obedience is vital (Jn 2:5; 1 Cor 15:10; Jas 1:23-25).

Believe in yourself; you are not inferior to others, so don’t be intimidated by the abilities others have – you can do things they can’t – nor be afraid of people who can only exert human control over your earthly being but have no influence over your eternal destiny (Lk 12:4,5). Tell yourself what is factual, not lies about yourself that you have come to believe.

Addressing sin and resolving relationship issues are essential to personal wholeness and fostering close fellowship with God. This, in turn, will also contribute to improved interpersonal relationships.

See yourself as victorious, living with Christ above the circumstances of this life. Jesus experienced times of anguish and abandonment, yet in His humanity, He remained secure in His identity as the beloved Son of God. We must rely on God’s consistent love even when our variable emotions waver, as they do not always represent reality. Rather than basing our worth on superficial and unreliable standards, we should accept the reliable truth of our identity as seen by God.

Low self-esteem is when someone feels unworthy, of little value and lacks confidence, because of hurtful experiences, failures, the harsh judgments of others or themselves, comparing themselves to others, abusive relationships, or a lack of good and healthy support around them. This condition requires healing and transformation through the power of God’s love and truth. We are to encourage one another to see ourselves as God sees us – beloved children, created in His image, redeemed by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to glorify Him.

To foster a deeper relationship with God, who is the source of our core worth, it is essential to meditate on Scriptures and dedicate time to prayer. By expressing gratitude for the unique gifts given and utilizing these gifts in service to others, we can recognize our value through the positive impact we

Gain the true perspective

have on those around us. In Christian fellowship, we can come alongside those struggling with low self-esteem, offering encouragement, speaking the truth in love, and pointing them to their identity in Christ, as they also minister to us.