Self-respect

A sense of personal worth and dignity. Scripture points to the need for believers to ground their self-respect in God himself, rather than trusting in the opinion and valuation of other individuals or society as a whole.

Self-respect is often assumed

Matthew 22:39 parallel Mark 12:31 See also Matthew 7:12, Matthew 19:19; Romans 12:3; Ephesians 5:29

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Examples of those who had self-respect

Job 12:3 See also Job 10:16; Proverbs 31:25; Philippians 3:4

But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?

The basis of self-respect

A relationship with God

Psalm 139:13–14 See also Psalm 30:6; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, 1 Corinthians 6:12–20; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 4:4

For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.

Equality in God's community

James 1:9–10 See also 1 Corinthians 12:22–25

The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

A clear conscience and faithfulness to God

2 Corinthians 1:12 See also John 7:18; Galatians 6:4; Hebrews 13:18

For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God — not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.

God's strength is a source of self-respect

Daniel 10:19 See also Exodus 15:2; 2 Samuel 22:33; Psalm 71:5, Psalm 89:17, Psalm 118:14; 2 Timothy 4:17

“Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious,” he said. “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

Self-respect results from disciplined living

Job 4:6 See also Proverbs 20:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:4; Titus 2:2

Is your reverence not your confidence, and the uprightness of your ways your hope?

Self-respect can be lost through humiliation

Jeremiah 31:19 See also 2 Samuel 10:1–5 parallel 1 Chronicles 19:1–5; 2 Samuel 13:1–22; Daniel 4:33

After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

Self-respect can rest on wrong foundations

Galatians 6:3 See also Deuteronomy 8:17–18; Job 20:6–7; Philippians 3:4–7

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Ways in which self-respect can be undermined

By others

Job 30:1–15

By the effects of sin and the work of Satan

Mark 5:2–5 parallel Luke 8:27–29; Mark 5:25–28 parallels Matthew 9:20–22, Luke 8:43–48; Luke 15:13–16, Luke 17:12–13

By unwise spiritual zeal

Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:1–2; Jude 1:22