Instead of getting caught up in the “I wish” or “if only’s” in our lives, we need to remember that we are unique creations of the creator.

Women can become their own worst enemies. We can be hypercritical of ourselves which leads to low self-esteem and self-sabotage. That low self-esteem can translate into becoming negative and critical of others. We can do real damage to ourselves and to our relationships if this is who we allow ourselves to become.

But, here’s the good news. It doesn’t have to be this way. Our first principle, “make God a priority,” can help us see ourselves the way God sees us. When we spend time in his Word, we realize that he created us with a specific plan and purpose. Our job is to live out his plan and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Principle Two: Remember Who You Are

This principle has both personal and relational components. On the personal side, we need to stop comparing ourselves to what our culture projects as successful and happy.

We need to stop body shaming ourselves and feeling bad about how we look or the kind of personality we have. We need to embrace the truth that we are God’s precious creation, uniquely and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13-17 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.  How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

Instead of wasting our energy on what we would change about ourselves, we should embrace how God made us. We are precious to him and he wants us to walk in the confidence of his love. When we do that, we can start to look outside of ourselves and see the people around us who need us.

The relational component is about remembering that we represent Jesus to those around us. We should be gracious toward other’s shortcomings as we would want them to be gracious toward our failures. We should be a positive force in the lives of others. We need to speak life and encouragement into the lives of our friends and family. We should demonstrate the love of Jesus to others in our words and actions. That also means we should be measured with our words. We shouldn’t gossip or put others down. And, we need to avoid being a “negative nilly” who’s always complaining about things. We should be positive and forward looking.

1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing

Ephesians 4:29  Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

So, remember who you are-a precious creation uniquely designed by God for a purpose. Take the steps to learn more about what God has done for you and find ways to make a positive impact in the world.

Practical Things to Do:

  1. Memorize Psalm 139.
  2. Before you say anything negative about a situation, say three positive things.
  3. Send a note to a friend and share the things you like about them.
  4. Pray for the people you struggle to like.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. On a scale of 1-10, how self-critical are you? Explain.
  4. Who are the people to whom you tend to compare yourself? Why have you chosen those people?
  5. Read Psalm 139:13-17. Identify all that this passage says about God and you. How can knowing who you are in Christ help you overcome your self doubt and insecurities?
  6. How have your insecurities affected your relationships?
  7. Read 1 Peter 3:8-9. What does this passage tell us to do? Which of those is hardest for you?
  8. Read Ephesians 4:29. How have you wounded people with your words in past? How can you be better about speaking life into the people you care about?
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

 

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