Balancing Self-Esteem in a Biblical Way

The Bible doesn’t specifically mention the modern concept of “self-esteem,” as we understand it today, but it does provide principles that can guide how we view ourselves in relation to God and others. So what does the Bible say about self-worth, loving oneself, and balancing self-esteem with humility?

1. We Are Created in God’s Image

The Bible teaches that every person is created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), which gives every individual inherent worth and dignity. Recognizing that we are God’s creation means we are valuable in His eyes, forming the basis of healthy self-esteem. Our worth comes not from our achievements or social status but from being made and loved by God.

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

2. God’s Love for Us

Understanding God’s unconditional love is central to a healthy view of oneself. The Bible makes it clear that God’s love does not depend on our performance or worthiness. This helps us see ourselves as beloved children of God, which can lead to a healthy self-image.

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
• 1 John 4:9-10 – “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

3. The Command to Love Others as Ourselves

In the Bible, we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. This assumes that we have a basic level of self-care and self-love. However, this isn’t about narcissism or self-centeredness; it’s about recognizing our value before God and treating others with the same care.

• Matthew 22:39 – “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
• Ephesians 5:29 – “After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”

This implies that loving ourselves in a healthy way (i.e., taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually) is important because it equips us to love others better.

4. Humility and Self-Worth

While the Bible emphasizes our value in God’s eyes, it teaches humility. True humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. The Bible warns against pride and arrogance, encouraging believers to find their worth not in self-exaltation but in their relationship with God.

• Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
• Romans 12:3 – “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, but to think with sober judgment.”

5. Finding Identity in Christ, Not in the World

The Bible urges Christians to find their identity and worth in Christ, not in the world’s standards of success, beauty, or accomplishments. This can help prevent unhealthy comparisons, pride, or feelings of inadequacy.

• Galatians 2:20 – “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.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

6. Avoiding Self-Centeredness

While loving and caring for oneself is important, the Bible also warns against overly focusing on oneself. True self-worth is found in serving others, living a life of love, and putting others’ needs before our own.

• Matthew 16:24-25 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'”

Balancing Self-Esteem in a Biblical Way

In summary, the Bible encourages a balance:

• Healthy self-esteem is rooted in the understanding that we are made in God’s image and loved by Him.
• Humility is essential in recognizing that our worth comes from God, not from worldly achievements or comparisons with others.
• Self-love is necessary to care for ourselves properly, but it should always be oriented toward loving others and glorifying God.

The Bible doesn’t promote a culture of extreme self-love or self-pity. Instead, it teaches that our self-worth comes from knowing who we are in God, loving ourselves enough to care for our bodies and souls, and using that understanding to serve others humbly.

For more Biblical teachings, listen to Bible Perspective or read our daily devotional, The Word for Today.

The views expressed herein are those of the presenters and writers, not Radio Pulpit.