Self-image is how we see and think about ourselves. It is our inner perception and attitude toward who we are as individuals. The Bible has much to say about our self-image and highlights key principles that can lead to a healthy, God-centered self-view.
We are created in God’s image
The starting point for a biblical self-image is recognizing that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. Genesis 1:26-27 tells us, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Being made in God’s image means we have inherent worth and value as human beings. It sets us apart from the rest of creation. Understanding our identity as image-bearers of God is fundamental to a healthy self-image.
We have unique roles and purposes
Not only do we bear God’s image, but the Bible says God has a specific plan and purpose for each one of our lives. Ephesians 2:10 notes, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God made each of us individually with unique gifts, talents, personalities, and experiences. As we seek out and embrace the special role God has for us, it allows us to develop an appropriate view of who we are and what we can contribute. The way we perceive our purpose affects how we see ourselves.
Our identity is found in Christ
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, our core identity becomes rooted in Him. Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Being “in Christ” supersedes all other labels and gives us eternal value. Seeing ourselves as new creations in Christ allows us to find security and significance in Him rather than our own shifting merits or others’ opinions.
We are special objects of God’s love
God’s love for us is deep, perfect, and unchanging. The Bible reminds us many times of how cherished we are in God’s eyes. Zephaniah 3:17 notes, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” And Romans 8:38-39 declares, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Knowing how deeply loved we are shapes how we see ourselves.
We all struggle with sin
A key to a biblical self-image is recognizing that all people, including ourselves, are sinful and in need of salvation through Christ. Romans 3:23 states plainly, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But the good news is that confession of sin and receiving God’s forgiveness also bolsters our self-image, as we are no longer defined by past failures. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Our worth comes from God, not people
Our self-image can fluctuate based on how people treat us or their approval. But the Bible is clear that our worth is rooted in being made by God, not in others’ opinions. Psalm 139:14 declares, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” And Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” While easier said than done, keeping our eyes fixed on God’s view of our inherent dignity protects self-image.
God can renew our minds
Negative self-talk, false beliefs about ourselves, and other unhealthy thought patterns can damage self-image. But Scripture teaches that transforming our minds is possible by God’s power. Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” As we reject worldly thinking and embrace biblical truth, God renews our minds, including about ourselves.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made
Psalm 139 contains one of the most powerful statements about our identity and value in God’s sight. Verses 13-14 state, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Every human life has worth because God intentionally forms each person. His amazing creative power makes us “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This truth fosters a positive self-image.
We cannot earn righteousness
A performance-based self-image where we try to earn self-worth through achievements or comparisons will always fall short. The Bible says our righteousness comes from Christ alone. Philippians 3:9 explains, “And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” Resting in Christ’s righteousness relieves us from striving and uncertainty in our self-image.
God accepts us as we are
We do not need to pretend to be someone else or perform perfectly for God to approve of us. Despite our flaws and failures, the Bible makes clear God accepts us as we are because of Christ’s redemption. Ephesians 1:6 notes, “To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” God sees us as righteous in Christ – and that’s what matters most for self-image.
Our life has eternal impact
The Bible provides an eternal perspective on our identity and purpose. The good works God prepared for us to do have everlasting fruits and rewards in heaven. Matthew 6:20 notes, “…lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Knowing our life impacts eternity gives it great meaning and value.
We are new creations in Christ
When we trust in Christ, God gives us a new heart and new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This new spiritual identity in Christ redefines how we see ourselves. It means we are no longer chained to past mistakes or labels, but have a fresh start.
We are God’s masterpiece
Rather than viewing ourselves through a lens of insufficiency, the Bible says believers are God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 notes, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” The word for “workmanship” refers to a work of art. Knowing we are God’s beautiful handiwork gives us a sense of significance.
We have equal status before God
Human distinctions often divide us and feed pride or insecurity. But the Bible teaches our standing before God does not depend on earthly status. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We have equal value and access to God by faith; social standing does not impact our self-image.
Our self-worth is not performance-based
It’s tempting to equate our value with talents, achievements, appearance, or approval from others. But the Bible counters a performance-based self-image. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” God’s grace, not our efforts, determine our worth.
We are chosen and dearly loved
At times, we may feel unnoticed, unwanted, or unappreciated. But God’s Word reminds us we are His chosen ones, highlighted and beloved. Colossians 3:12 encourages believers, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Knowing we are handpicked by God provides comfort and confidence.
We can lay down false narratives
Our self-perception is often fueled by false narratives from our wounds, the world, or enemy. But through Christ we can lay down untrue narratives and fully embrace God’s perspective of us. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 notes, we can “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Rejecting lies and claiming God’s truths shape a healthy self-image.
Our sufficiency comes from God
We often feel inadequate in ourselves to meet life’s demands. But Scripture claims God’s power and strength operating through us make us sufficient for all things. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 declares, “…our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant…” We can rest in God’s strength working in and through us.
We cannot please everyone
Fear of disappointing or displeasing others can dominate our self-view. But the Bible advises we ultimately answer to an audience of One. Galatians 1:10 states, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Pleasing God gives us freedom from others’ opinions.
We are secure in God’s hand
Our self-image may waver when faced with uncertainty, trials, or a shaky identity outside of Christ. But God promises His faithful hand holds and protects us always. As Jesus said in John 10:28-29, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” This security boosts self-image.
In summary, the Bible offers great encouragement, reassurance, and truths for cultivating a healthy self-image based on our identity in Christ. As we embrace how God sees us through the lens of the Gospel, we gain confidence in who we are and Whose we are.