Strengthening Self Esteem Through Faith - Rev. Grace Reyes
“I will praise You, for [a]I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.”
Biblical Examples for Overcoming Low Self-Esteem
1. Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)
Issue: After his great victory at Mount Carmel, Elijah became discouraged and felt alone, even asking God to take his life.
God’s Response: God provided for Elijah physically (food and rest) and reminded him that he was not alone.
Lesson: Even when you feel unworthy or alone, God cares for you and has a purpose for your life.
2. Peter (Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-19)
Issue: After denying Jesus three times, Peter felt deep shame and unworthiness.
God’s Response: Jesus restored Peter by reaffirming His love and commissioning him to "feed My sheep."
Lesson: Past failures do not define you; God’s grace restores and empowers you.
3. David (Psalm 139:13-16)
Issue: David may have struggled with rejection (by his family, Saul, and others), yet he found his identity in God.
Response: He declared that he was "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14).
Lesson: Knowing your worth in God’s eyes strengthens self-esteem.
4. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
Issue: Zacchaeus was a tax collector, despised by society, and physically small. He may have struggled with rejection and self-worth.
God’s Response: Jesus personally called him, dined with him, and affirmed his salvation.
Lesson: No matter how others see you, Jesus values and calls you personally.
5. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
Issue: She suffered for 12 years with a disease that made her socially and religiously unclean. She likely felt rejected and worthless.
God’s Response: When she touched Jesus’ garment in faith, He not only healed her but called her "Daughter," restoring her dignity.
Therapeutic Ways to Overcome Low Self-Esteem
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps to identify and change negative thought patterns about oneself.
Example: Instead of thinking, "I am not good enough," replace it with, "I am growing and learning through Christ."
Affirmations & Scripture-Based Self-Talk
Meditate on verses like Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ") and Romans 8:37 ("We are more than conquerors").
Gratitude Practice
Focus on blessings rather than shortcomings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Setting Boundaries & Self-Care
Avoid toxic relationships and environments that reinforce negative self-perception.
Therapeutic Writing & Journaling
Write about struggles, prayers, and victories to process emotions.
Community Support
Surround yourself with uplifting believers who remind you of your worth (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Underlying Causes of Low Self-Esteem
Past Trauma & Abuse
Childhood neglect, bullying, or emotional wounds can shape negative self-perception.
Comparison & Social Pressure
Comparing oneself to others (social media, peers) fosters feelings of inadequacy.
Negative Words & Criticism
Repeated criticism, rejection, or harsh words can internalize self-doubt.
Unresolved Guilt or Shame
Feeling unworthy due to past mistakes instead of embracing God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Lack of Spiritual Identity
Not understanding one’s identity in Christ leads to insecurity.
Perfectionism & Fear of Failure
Believing self-worth is based on achievements rather than God’s grace.
How Soul Ties Interfere with Your Self-Worth as a Christian
A soul tie is a deep emotional, spiritual, or even physical connection formed between individuals, often through relationships, experiences, or even trauma. While godly soul ties (such as healthy friendships, marriage, and family bonds) can be beneficial, ungodly soul ties—especially those formed through sinful or unhealthy relationships—can significantly impact your self-worth and spiritual growth.
Ways Soul Ties Affect Self-Worth
1. They Keep You Tied to Past Pain & Brokenness
Unhealthy soul ties (especially from past romantic or toxic relationships) can keep you emotionally attached to people who have hurt you.
If you were in a relationship where you were devalued, rejected, or manipulated, you may struggle to see yourself as worthy of love and respect.
Biblical Example: Samson and Delilah (Judges 16) – Samson's soul tie to Delilah led to his downfall because he kept trusting her despite her betrayal.
2. They Distort Your Identity in Christ
If you’ve been in an unhealthy soul tie, you may start believing lies about yourself, such as:
"I’m not good enough."
"I’ll never find love again."
"I deserve to be mistreated."
These false beliefs overshadow the truth of Psalm 139:14 ("I am fearfully and wonderfully made") and 2 Corinthians 5:17 ("If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation").
3. They Hinder Emotional & Spiritual Growth
Ungodly soul ties can cause emotional baggage, making it hard to move forward in relationships and personal development.
They can also create spiritual strongholds that keep you bound in guilt, shame, or longing for something God has already freed you from.
Biblical Principle: Hebrews 12:1 – "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us."
4. They Influence Your Choices & Desires
When you’re still emotionally connected to a past relationship or unhealthy friendship, you may find it hard to make godly decisions.
Unresolved soul ties can lead you to settle for less than God’s best, out of fear of being alone or unwanted.
Biblical Warning: 1 Corinthians 15:33 – "Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good character."
5. They Open the Door to Guilt & Condemnation
If a soul tie was formed through sexual sin (outside of marriage), it can lead to deep guilt, shame, and a sense of unworthiness.
The enemy uses this to make believers feel disconnected from God, even though Romans 8:1 says, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Soul Ties
Repent & Renounce
Confess any past sins that led to the unhealthy tie (1 John 1:9).
Verbally renounce the connection in Jesus’ name (Matthew 18:18).
Forgive & Release
Forgive those who hurt you (even if they never apologize).
Release emotional and spiritual attachments to them (Colossians 3:13).
Cut Off Contact (if necessary)
If the relationship is toxic, create boundaries or fully disconnect.
Renew Your Mind with God’s Word
Replace lies with biblical truths about your worth in Christ (Romans 12:2).
Ask for Deliverance & Healing
Pray for God’s power to break any lingering spiritual ties (Psalm 147:3).
Surround Yourself with Godly Relationships
Find Christian community that affirms your identity in Christ (Hebrews 10:25).
God wants you to walk in freedom, wholeness, and confidence in Him. John 8:36 says, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." No past relationship, mistake, or emotional tie can define you—only God does.