That “grasshopper mentality” is typical of people who feel inferior. Scores of women have said, “I feel ugly, and I know that others think I’m ugly too.” But those women weren’t ugly. They simply concluded that others perceived them in the same way they perceived themselves.

If you struggle with inferiority feelings, rest assured that 99 percent of the people who know you perceive you to be smarter, more attractive, and of greater value than you see yourself.

You are made in God’s image. Your abilities are many. You have scores of characteristics that others admire. Certainly, you’ve experienced failure. The apostle Paul wrote, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ returns” (Philippians 1:6). Despite your shortcomings, God has big plans for your life. Tell yourself the truth and behave accordingly.

Take time to pray, and ask God to give you…

A sense of what He can accomplish through you;

The vision is to look past your issues of self-worth and see yourself as He sees you;

The confidence to step beyond your comfort zone to accomplish things, according to His will.

Reflect on these questions:

What does it mean to you that you are made in God’s image?

Me, personally. I like what Abraham shares in Romans 5 that we have peace with God because of Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Have faith that Christ has made us where we can confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

What value do you have to God? To your spouse? To your kids? To your extended family? To your employer, clients, etc.? To your friends?

In 2 Peter 1:2-3. God gives us more and more grace and peace as we grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Knowing his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have value and received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

What do your attitude and demeanor say about your self-image?

A great example to remember is Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Read more passages on self-image:

Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!

2 Corinthians 3:4-5; 11:30 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.

Look inside to see your true self-image toward the Lord. Thoughts of Gary Chapman, and sermons at Alston Road Church of Christ.

What is the answer to that downward spiral? Psalm 15:2 challenges us to speak the truth in our hearts. Here are several truths about you. You are made in the image of God. You have incredible value. Your abilities are many. You have scores of characteristics that others admire. Certainly, you have experienced failure. Who hasn’t? But that does not mean that you are a failure. You will be a failure only if you choose to fail. On the other hand, if you choose to succeed, nothing can keep you from your goal.

Remember God has not given up on you. The apostle Paul wrote, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” ( Philippians 1:6). In spite of your failures, God still has positive purposes for your life. You must tell yourself the truth and behave accordingly.

Take time to pray and thank God for the wisdom He gives you in His Word. Ask Him to help you recognize the emotional state of your loved ones during times of conflict. Ask Him to help you guard your own self-image during those times.

Share and reflect:

What lies do you tell yourself when you are feeling down?

What specific truth do you need to hear most? Why?

How can you show loving concern for your spouse even in the midst of serious conflict?

Consider these passages for further study on self-image:

Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Great devotional thoughts of Gary Chapman. I am always looking to improve my self-image, and in doing so it shows in the people around me.