What Does the Bible Say About Low Self-Esteem?

Do you suffer from low self-esteem? Well, my dear sister in Christ, for a Christian this condition shouldn’t apply. Why? Because of who we are and what we have in Jesus Christ. Indeed, the entire book of 1 Peter offers an impressive list of the benefits and privileges and assurances we enjoy as believers in Christ. Peter graciously points to one advantage after another...after another...that are ours as saints.

Blessings in Christ

Here are a few of our blessings in Christ from 1 Peter 1:2–2:5:

• We are sanctified.
• We have God’s grace and peace.
• We are born again.
• We have an inheritance in heaven.
• We are kept by God unto salvation.
• We are redeemed by Jesus’ blood.
• We are living stones in the house of God.

How’s that for a list of blessings?And Peter has only just begun! God has done all this so that we can enjoy our redemption, share with others the excellencies and virtues and qualities of God, and lift our praises to Him. We are called to proclaim who God is and what He has done—by our conduct and by our words (Matthew 28:11). 

Are you doing everything you can to let people know who you are in Christ?

Scripture and Low Self-Esteem

So what’s all the fuss about self-image? I hope by now you know you’ve been blessed beyond measure. In the moments when you slump or fall into despair or discouragement, you need to remember who you are in Christ. You are never a nothing or a nobody. Who are you?

Read today’s verse, 1 Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 

• You are a chosen generation.
• You are a royal priesthood.
• You are a holy nation.
• You are God’s special people.

All of this was accomplished by Christ on your behalf. Although some people base their worth on accomplishments, as a Christian your identity is based on who you are in Christ. That is far more important and meaningful than money, success, education, and career.

You’ve been chosen by God to be His very own. And as a child of God—as one who has been purchased with the precious blood of Christ—you have worth that can never be tallied.

Thank God now! And make it a point to refuse to succumb to feelings and thoughts of inferiority.

RESPOND

Dear Lord, forgive me for listening to my self-talk more than I pay attention to Your bold statements about my worth. I have value because I am Your child. Thank You! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES 

Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George shows you how you can experience a richer, more exciting spiritual walk as you embrace God's design for true beauty in your life. Pick up this encouraging book for women today! 

REFLECT

On a 3x5 notecard, write out the blessings in Christ from 1 Peter 1:2–2:5. Memorize this list and praise God for it daily! 

REMEMBER

In the moments when you slump or fall into despair or discouragement, you need to

remember who you are in Christ. You are never a nothing or a nobody.