Low self-esteem is a killer--a killer of potential, of courage, of relationships. It is not, however, our primary problem. Did Eve eat the forbidden fruit because she could not accept herself as she was? Did Lucifer rebel and fall over the balcony of heaven because he felt inferior to the Most High God? Or was it pride that caused them to think they had a right to know more or to be more than the Lord had ordained?

Actually, our fundamental problem is our guilt before a holy God. Ironically, this means we have to feel worse before things get better. Certainly we should all seek to build each other up (1 Th. 5:11). And we are to express special love and care to those who have suffered from abusive situations.

But all of us, no matter how we've been conditioned from childhood, must admit that we have sinned and need to be born again. We must also realize how wrong it is to measure ourselves by ourselves or to compare ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12). Above all, we must acknowledge that we don't deserve what Christ did for us on the cross (Ti. 3:4-5).

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? The only way to feel good about yourself is to believe and accept what Jesus has done for you.  — Mart De Haan