Counsel #1 — How Self-Respect Looks

Picture: Counsel #1 — How Self-Respect LooksCI 26.1

An individual with self-respect values himself or herself and treats others with respect. They stand up for their own value system with dignity and confidence.^{[23]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/learning-to-love-myself-and-my-neighbor-too/}CI 26.2

But self-respect is a struggle for many people. Maybe our confidence was sabotaged by parents, teachers, or peers. Perhaps we view ourselves as inferior due to the media we consume. Maybe our low self-esteem results from our own choices.CI 26.3

Can Jesus bring us out of this despair, shame, and lack of respectability?CI 26.4

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalms 139:13, 14 NKJVCI 26.5

“It should not be difficult to remember that the Lord desires you to lay your troubles and perplexities at His feet, and leave them there. Go to Him, saying: ‘Lord, my burdens are too heavy for me to carry. Wilt Thou bear them for me?’ And He will answer: ‘I will take them. With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee. I will take your sins, and will give you peace. Banish no longer your self-respect; for I have bought you with the price of My own blood.’” Ellen White in Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pp. 519, 520CI 26.6

Reflect: Do you possess a healthy self-respect based on the inestimable value God sees in you? CI 26.7