Self-rejection

<<feeling not wanted>>

Feelings of self-rejection contribute to low self-esteem. These may have originated in early childhood experiences, particularly if there was an unplanned pregnancy, or result from a parent walking out. Being let down by a significant person in our lives, or betrayal by a spouse are among other causes. The mental torment from events like these hold many people in bondage, as do the painful, negative and critical messages directed at us that damage our sensitive emotions and spirits. Their destructive power must be counteracted with what is positive and uplifting otherwise these competing influences that are harmful to our personality will keep us from experiencing freedom in Christ.

Our value is not based on warped human opinions, including our own, rather on God’s. He loves us so much that He gave Jesus to die and pay the penalty for our sin, He adopts us into His family, gives the Holy Spirit to live in us and promises He will never leave us (Rom 5:8, 8:11,15-17; Heb 13:5). All destructive thoughts and lies of Satan must be challenged

Who am I to reject what God has made in His image? – Genesis 1:27

with the truth of God’s Word, such as “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus…God chose us in Christ…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Rom 8:1; Eph 1:4,5; Phil 1:6). We need to reclaim what the enemy has taken from us and bring our thoughts into line with Christ’s (2 Cor 10:4,5).

The devil’s line of attack always involves our thoughts. He doesn’t want us to accept God’s design of us, nor live for Him, dismissing the evil assaults and offences from the Satanic world. So align yourself fully with Christ and resist the devil, not yourself (Jas 4:7; 1 Jn 3:8). “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me hasn’t been wasted” (1 Cor 15:10). Thank God for the way He has made you, for the transformation that has already taken place, and trust Him for what is yet to come as you willingly accept the various physical features and human traits that make you (uniquely) who you are.

We all do things that we regret, and feel like losers at times yet we must forgive ourselves – Jesus does when we confess our sin (1 Jn 1:9). We can’t change the past, only learn from it, so focus all your energies on what is ahead. Correct or work on the aspects of your life you can change, while recognizing the unchangeable defects, (when accepted by faith from a loving God) are necessary to build the message of God into your life, developing positive inward qualities. Co-operate with ‘the potter’ to become a ‘vessel of honour’, not one to be rejected (Isa 45:9; Rom 9:20,21; 2 Tim 2:20,21). God uses the defects and scars we experience in life, regardless of their source (Isa 61:2,3).