We’ve all made mistakes in life and felt regret, but how we bounce back from those moments says a lot about how we feel about ourselves. Self-esteem is an inside job and perfectionism is not the way to try and build it. To have real self-esteem, you’ve got to learn how to love yourself as God loves you.
The number one reason why we have a hard time with loving ourselves the way God loves us is because we compare ourselves to other people. We feel inadequate around others, not fully appreciating that we were all designed uniquely. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be things that we’re not? Listen, God loves you! Right now, today in whatever situation you’re in.
It takes time to change your thinking from the negative, critical self talk to forgiving and patient self talk. But with some practice, you can do it! We’ve come up with an acronym to help you remember a few tips for loving yourself as God loves you.
AWC: Acknowledge, Worth, Confess.
Acknowledge and accept your flaws.
Now, don’t start overanalyzing everything you think is wrong with you. What we mean here is that you need to acknowledge that you (and everyone else), are fallible. It’s not great but you’ve got to face the fact that you’re flawed.
But, the good news is that God already knows about your flaws. He’s not surprised and He doesn’t hold them against you. God loves you despite your shortcomings, and He gives us strength and grace to supplement them. We can’t base the way we feel about ourselves on perfection. If we did, none of us would make the mark.
Each of us have strengths and weaknesses and we have to accept that. If you’re struggling to find your strengths, ask the people closest to you. Try a little self exploration and focus more on the positive, than the negative.
Remember you are worthy.
John 3:16 says, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.”
Another reason we sometimes find it hard to love ourselves, is because we feel worthless. This scripture (John 3:16) speaks directly to the worthiness you have in the heart of God. Not many of us would be willing to put our children through what Jesus endured, but He did. God loves you, and decided that you were worth it! Once you realize your worth and value, you will build confidence and start loving yourself.
This concept of self-worth was the second step because without acknowledging your flaws, it will be difficult to see yourself as worthy. Worth comes from our creator. He gave us His image, and we were all fearfully and wonderfully made BEFORE we did anything wrong or right. You have intrinsic value, so remember that!
Confess the truth and walk in faith.
Come up with your own affirmations based on what the Bible says about you. Write them down, use post it notes — do whatever it takes to get it to sink in. Changing your mind isn’t magic family. You’ve got to rehearse it over and over in your mind, and when an old way of thinking pops back up, redirect it to the new thought pattern. Eventually it’ll be effortless.
Yes, it is a process, but when you finally master your thoughts, loving yourself as God loves you becomes so much easier. Walking in faith is directly connected to this because it means that you make the decision to look beyond what you see and move beyond what you feel. Work on finding and confessing a few scriptures on God’s love out daily, and watch how your life changes!
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