Counsel #27 — Self-Respect Signature

Picture: Counsel #27 — Self-Respect SignatureCI 66.1

Healthy self-respect isn’t about walking into every room with your head held high and a perfect plan. It’s about carrying yourself with confidence, knowing you don’t need to prove your worth to anyone because God has already defined it.CI 66.2

When you have healthy self-respect, you’re able to express what you need, what you believe, and what matters to you without shrinking back or constantly second-guessing yourself.^{[66] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-relationships/201608/eight-traits-people-healthy-self-esteem} It doesn’t mean you’re always right, but it does mean you’ve learned to trust the voice God gave you. It also means that you’ve made enough decisions in life to know that judgment guided by prayer and wisdom is worth listening to. Additionally, you don’t cling to toxic friendships or keep dating someone just because you’re afraid to be alone, and when people treat you poorly or drain your peace, you know exactly when to step back. The most important part about self-respect is learning to be as gracious with yourself as God wants you to be with others. Learn to offer yourself grace just because you’ve made progress. Life isn’t easy, but leaning on God is.CI 66.3

“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:7 NIVCI 66.4

“Through indulgence in sin, self-respect is destroyed; and when that is gone, respect for others is lessened.” Ellen White in Mind, Character, and Personality, vol.1, p. 256CI 66.5

Reflect: What does self-respect look like in the choices you make?CI 66.6