Self-Image & “Self-Esteem”

Practical • Biblical • Cross-Cultural

Page Summary
Summary: The Bible, God and “self-esteem.” Your sense of who you are should come from your relationship with Jesus, not your wealth, power, popularity or abilities. Books and online Bible studies can help you find a true, lasting sense of self-worth and purpose in life by turning to Christ instead of trying to build up “self esteem” on your own. For individuals and small groups.

Home / Resources / Self-Image Bible Studies

Bible Studies

Books

eBooks

Self-Image Bible Studies

Find Your Identity in Christ

Knowing God — Find your deepest sense of self in your relationship with God

God’s love for me — Be encouraged that God deeply loves you

Self-love — Does the Bible say loving yourself (“self-esteem”) is the key to your self-image?

You are a child of God — Don’t take your relationship with God for granted

You are a temple of the Holy Spirit — Knowing that God’s Spirit lives in you can transform your self-image

You are part of the body of Christ — You are closely connected to Jesus and every other believer

God’s spirit lives in you — Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Does he really live in us?

Knowing God’s Forgiveness

Receive and accept God’s forgiveness — Practical steps to knowing and experiencing God’s forgiveness

Don’t think you are a uniquely bad person — Escape the trap of self-condemnation

Reject inappropriate guilt — Don’t let inappropriate guilt rob you of joy

Ask others to forgive you — Ask forgiveness, learn a lesson, and earn trust

Discover Your Purpose

You have a purpose — Discover God’s plans for you and why your life matters

Live life as an adventure — Look for ways to represent God and use your gifts and talents every day

Live in God’s Power

Let the Holy Spirit change you — God has a plan to transform you

Depend on God’s power — Learn how to live in God’s power, not your own

Discover the power in humility — Being humble does not mean saying you are no good

Dealing with Failure

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 1 — Learn from David’s example

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 2 — Learn from Paul’s example

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 3 — Learn from Peter’s example

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 4 — Practical steps to help you in the future

Bible verses about self-image, self-worth, and “self-esteem”

Base your self-image on who you are in Christ (not your self-esteem)

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Don’t base your self-image in your accomplishments

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more. … What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:4-8)

Make it your primary goal to please God not others

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? … If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. (1 Thessalonians 2:6)