Self-esteem is a concept that has gained widespread popularity and discussion in recent decades. For the Christian, navigating issues of self-esteem requires wisdom and discernment. What does the Bible teach about self-esteem? How should Christians think about themselves in light of God’s Word?
First, it is important to define what we mean by self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to a person’s overall evaluation and opinion of themselves, including feelings of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-respect. High self-esteem means having a largely positive view of oneself. Low self-esteem means having a largely negative view of oneself.
When approaching the issue of self-esteem from a Christian perspective, there are some key principles to keep in mind:
- Our worth and identity is ultimately rooted in being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Every human being has value because we are created by God and loved by Him.
- Sin has marred the image of God in us and twisted our perspective of ourselves. We are prone to both pride and insecurity apart from Christ (Romans 3:23).
- We should not view ourselves according to worldly standards or measures of success (2 Corinthians 10:12). Our worth is not dependent on our performance, achievements, appearance, or the opinions of others.
- God calls us to humility and to esteem others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). A biblical view of self avoids the extremes of pride and low self-worth.
- Our identity and security should be rooted in who we are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). God has granted those who trust in Jesus immeasurable spiritual blessings and their identity in Him.
- We are to steward our bodies and abilities well for God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). But we should only boast in the Lord and what He is able to do through us (1 Corinthians 1:31).
Self-esteem becomes distorted whenever we do not properly understand who we are. The antidote is found in rightly understanding our identity in Christ. As sinners saved by grace, we should avoid pride and embrace humility. But we should also rest secure in the Father’s love for us. Here are some key biblical truths about our identity in Christ that can anchor a healthy self-image:
We are completely forgiven and accepted by God
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
All who put their faith in Jesus are fully pardoned from sin and regarded as righteous in God’s sight. Our standing before God is secure, not based on our own deeds but on the atoning work of Christ.
We are dearly loved children of God
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
Through faith we are adopted into God’s family. We belong to Him fully and eternally. God embraces us as His own dearly loved children.
We have a new identity and purpose in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Coming to faith in Christ changes who we are. Our old way of life is gone, and we have a new identity centered on living for Him.
We have been given eternal, abundant life
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Not only has Christ forgiven our sins, but He has also given us new spiritual life, filled with meaning, hope, and security that endures forever.
We have direct access to God through Christ
“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)
Jesus makes it possible for us to know God intimately, coming before Him with our needs and concerns as dear children coming to a beloved Father.
As Christians, our sense of who we are is transformed when we understand just how thoroughly God has acted to redeem and adopt us. We are heirs of eternal life, temples of the Holy Spirit, citizens of heaven! Yet this high position should humble us and stir grateful worship, not pride.
Pride and insecurity
Two of the greatest pitfalls when it comes to self-esteem involve pride and insecurity. A biblical view of self steers clear of both extremes.
The Bible consistently warns against pride and arrogance. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Pride elevates us above others and prompts us to take credit rather than recognize everything good is a gift from God. Inflated self-esteem can often mask a prideful heart.
Yet Scripture also encourages us not to think too little of ourselves. Paul warns, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). There is a danger in thinking too highly of ourselves, but also a danger in thinking too lowly of ourselves.
In Christ, we find our worth in Him. This frees us from arrogant pride since we know our lives are not our own and we owe everything to God’s grace. But it also frees us from insecurity since the Father’s love for us does not fluctuate based on our performance. His love for us is unwavering.
Self-esteem and humility
Given the warnings against pride, some Christians assume that pursuing self-esteem is contrary to the call to walk in humility. However, this is not necessarily the case.
Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and grace (Romans 12:3). It means lowering ourselves to lift others up, not thinking we are better than others. As 1 Peter 5:5-6 exhorts, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another…Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.”
Humility does not necessarily mean thinking negatively about oneself. Paul says of his ministry in Romans 15:17-18, “In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.” Paul took confidence in his identity and calling in Christ, yet gave all glory to God for working through him.
Having realistic confidence in who we are in light of God’s calling is not necessarily pride. The key is that our confidence is rooted in a proper view of who God has declared us to be in Christ – valued, loved, and given purpose by Him. We avoid pride when we remember that all the good in us is due to His grace rather than our own merit.
Self-esteem and obedience
Some assume that pursuing self-esteem means being soft on sin or not confronting ongoing issues in someone’s life. But this is also not necessarily the case. In fact, understanding our identity in Christ should motivate us toward deeper obedience.
Scripture consistently ties our identity in Christ to how we live. We are urged to live in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ (Ephesians 4:1). The mercies of God should compel us toward holy living (Romans 12:1). Remembering who we are should inspire us to honor God with our lives.
A biblical view of self-esteem does not excuse or minimize sin. But it transitions our motivation away from guilt and toward God’s love and our calling. Our obedience flows from gratitude, not self-loathing. And our lapses call us to grace, not despair. Believing what God says about us empowers us to live unto Him.
Cultivating a biblical self-image
How then do we cultivate a healthy, biblical view of self that balances humility and confidence? Here are some practices that can be helpful:
- Regularly reflect on our identity in Christ – Study passages about who God says we are and what He has accomplished for us. Let these truths shape how you view yourself.
- Express gratitude to God – A grateful heart recognizes that all good things come from above. Give God thanks for any abilities, resources or opportunities you have.
- Celebrate others – Shift focus off yourself by intentionally encouraging others and rejoicing in their gifts and accomplishments.
- Ask others for feedback – Invite trusted believers to speak into your life and identify any ways pride or insecurity may be present.
- Confess sins and shortcomings – Bring areas of failure honestly before God and any you have harmed. Accept His forgiveness and grace.
- Rest in your status as God’s beloved – Let your relationship with the Father eclipse worldly measures of success or failure.
The healthiest self-image is grounded in who God says we are. As we grow in understanding our identity in Christ, we become increasingly free from the pendulum swings between pride and insecurity.
By fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), we find freedom from distorted perspectives of ourselves. And as we walk in step with the Spirit, we live out who we have already been declared to be – dearly loved children who have been given new life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Common objections
Despite the biblical foundation for positive self-esteem, some Christians raise objections. Here are responses to some common concerns:
Doesn’t self-esteem focus on self?
It is true that an unbiblical approach to self-esteem can become self-focused and feed pride. However, viewing ourselves in light of what God says about us redirects attention to Him. It humbles us in response to His grace.
Didn’t Jesus say to deny ourselves?
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This is a call to die to selfish desires and live completely for God. It is not a call to despise ourselves, since God created us good and values us immensely.
Can’t self-esteem become an idol?
Like anything good, self-esteem can improperly become an idol if pursued independent of God. But rightly understood, biblical self-esteem flows out of knowing who we are in God’s eyes and thus brings glory to Him.
Aren’t we just sinners saved by grace?
Absolutely. A Christian view of self-esteem must be grounded in the reality that we are just sinners saved by grace. Apart from Christ, none of us have any basis for esteem. But in Him, we have infinite worth as those reconciled to God.
In the end, self-esteem must be radically God-centered. It must arise from recognizing that only in Christ do we have any value, purpose, or hope. Our identity and security are found in Him alone.
Conclusion
Developing a biblical view of self-esteem requires continually grounding our sense of self in God’s truth. The healthiest self-image springs from growing in the gospel – grasping the depth of our sin and the height of our calling as new creations in Christ. As Martin Luther said, “At the foot of the cross is where I gain my truest self-knowledge.”
Self-esteem must always be framed by sound doctrine. When our confidence is wholly rooted in God’s love and transforming grace, we avoid the extremes of pride and insecurity that distort our perspective. Biblical self-esteem frees us to live boldly as His beloved children, fully secure in who God declares us to be.