Counsel #14 — A Broken Self View

Picture: Counsel #14 — A Broken Self ViewCLi 101.1

Very often, pornography reinforces the idea that our bodies and behaviors should be a certain way to have and keep a relationship. In addition to the exaggerated and heavily edited pictures seen on social media, pornography depicts women and men with body parts that look “perfect” or “too good to be true,” creating an undermining of confidence and self-esteem regarding how our own bodies look.CLi 101.2

For single people, this distortion eventually leads to comparisons that decrease self-confidence and self-esteem, making individuals feel that they are not good-looking enough, fit enough, or desirable enough. For those with partners, allowing pornography into the relationship could nurture deeply rooted anxieties of not living up to the expectations and relational standards of the other person, which increases feelings of anxiety and self-criticism. The good news is that God sees you as His beloved creation, made in His image and inherently valuable. Whenever you feel unworthy or undesirable, remind yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, with purpose beyond physical appearance.^{[93]https://stewardship.adventist.org/value,-self-worth}CLi 101.3

“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIVCLi 101.4

“Jesus loves you, and He has given me a message for you. His great heart of infinite tenderness yearns over you. He sends you the message that you may recover yourself from the snare of the enemy.” Ellen White in Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 32CLi 101.5

Reflect: How has exposure to pornography influenced your own body image and self-esteem? What biblical principles can help you to overcome negative body image and embrace your identity in Christ?CLi 101.6