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2 Corinthians 13:5
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
It's never surprising to hear someone ask if another would die for them as a testament of love. The truth is, someone has already made the ultimate sacrifice to demonstrate love—Jesus. He didn't die for His own sins but for ours! As stated in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV). Through His crucifixion, God, and by extension Jesus, established our worth by paying an immense price for our sins with His very life. Yet, many fail to recognize the value He has placed on them.
People often chase after their worth in material possessions or the opinions of others, when they should truly seek it in the one who has already demonstrated His love—Jesus Christ!
Don’t let your possessions, like your house or car, define your self-worth. Acknowledge your sins, repent, and recognize your need for Jesus in your life. Through Him, you find strength, as Philippians 4:13 reminds us: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV). Don’t allow what can be taken away to dictate your value. Instead, believe in the One who died for you and promised you far more than anything this world can offer. As Jesus said in Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV). Embrace and understand your worth in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
To begin strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we must first engage in self-reflection. It's essential to acknowledge our self-worth, as Jesus sacrificed Himself for us (John 3:16). But have you truly embraced who you are?
On the path to self-acceptance, we need to identify both our strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about what you perceive as your own strengths and weaknesses—rather than what others think—will deepen your understanding of yourself. Remember, not all weaknesses require fixing. Accepting a flaw within yourself is just as vital as celebrating your strengths. We are not perfect! If you believe a weakness needs addressing, work on it, but ensure that it’s your desire for improvement, not someone else's expectation.
Consider this: if ice is left in a hot environment, it melts because heat is detrimental to ice. Similarly, you must cultivate a positive and supportive environment around you. Negativity can harm your spirit, so it’s crucial to distance yourself from it. Sometimes, this may even mean stepping back from family. You can love them from a distance if their presence negatively impacts your spirit.
While forgiveness is a common theme in Christianity, self-forgiveness is often overlooked. Many people express regret over their actions or inactions, but in that regret, have you forgiven yourself? Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea of self-regret. I believe that our past mistakes guide us to improve our present and shape a better future. Without yesterday's errors, how can we learn and grow? To move forward, we must:
1. Acknowledge the mistake.
2. Accept our role in it.
3. Take responsibility for our actions.
4. Avoid blaming others for the situation.
5. Consider alternative solutions that could have led to a better outcome.
6. Understand that a mistake is a learning opportunity.
Mistakes serve as valuable lessons in understanding what to avoid, so take the time to learn from them to prevent repeating the same errors. At the end of the day, we are all human, responding with genuine emotions, thoughts, and actions. So, allow yourself the grace to be, well… HUMAN.
Some may disagree with this perspective, but I encourage you to reflect on it before forming an opinion. Many argue that we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, yet the reality is that we often do so, even if unintentionally. The key is not to let these comparisons lead us to feel inferior. Sure, someone might have a more prestigious job, but if you find joy in your work, that’s what truly matters. They may drive a flashy new car, but yours is fully paid off. Remember, comparison is a natural human tendency; just don’t forget that you are uniquely beautiful and wonderfully made.
We tend to be our harshest critic, but it’s time to turn that around and become our own biggest cheerleader. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small—give yourself a pat on the back, treat yourself to something nice, or even send yourself flowers. Don’t wait for others to acknowledge your worth; every morning, God blesses you with the gift of a new day, and that in itself is a reason to celebrate.
Embracing self-acceptance can significantly boost your self-esteem, foster positive emotional expressions, and liberate you from seeking approval and living up to others' expectations. When we learn to accept ourselves as we are and strive for improvement on our own terms, we pave the way for a truly fulfilling life.
Scripture to Meditate on for Self Acceptance:
Psalm 139:13-14 2 Corinthians 10:12
2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Samuel 16:7
Genesis 1:27 Romans 5:8
Acts 10:34-35 2 Timothy 1:7
Ephesians 1:6 Isaiah 43:1
Isaiah 41:10
2 Corinthians 12:9-10