Our attitude toward others is often a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. One author described it this way: “We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves.” Most will admit that we tend to feel better about others when we feel good about ourselves.

There is nothing inherently evil about a good self-image. While self-centeredness must be avoided, there is a vast difference between self-centeredness and good self-esteem. God created us to feel good about ourselves within the parameters of our relationship with Him. He sent His Son into the world so that we might have opportunity to live “the full and abundant life” (Jn. 10:10). God does not rejoice in our failings or find some sort of pleasure every time our feet get knocked out from under us and we find ourselves bruised and battered by life’s challenges. Quite to the contrary, God hurts when we hurt. Being the perfect reflection of the Father (Hb. 1:3), Jesus is our great high priest who sympathizes “with our weaknesses” and “has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hb. 4:15).

God’s revealed truth is our Creator’s blueprint for living a joyous life, both now and in the life which is to come. The “do’s and don’ts” of the Bible were not given for the purpose of inflicting pain, but bringing happiness. Even under the Old Testament, God identified His reason for giving rules and ordinances. Moses revealed God’s true intention for the Law, saying,
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?” (Dt. 10:12). Every parent knows the meaning of “for you good.” As children, we may have tried to bend the rules now and then only to discover, in the long run, that they had, indeed, been given for our good and ultimate happiness.

As much as anything, the instructions of God, as provided in His inspired word, ought to provide us with a sense of security and well-being. Our Father in heaven cares enough for us to set boundaries. When we follow His teaching, good feelings are produced. Many have made the mistake of turning things around by insisting that one must feel right in order to do right. But, actually, there are many occasions in which we must do what is right and trust that the feeling will follow.

We are created in the image of God. He loves us so much that He gave us the gift of His Beloved Son so that we might entertain a strong hope of living forever in His glorious presence. Such thoughts as these will influence the way we feel about ourselves and those around us. A sense of His great love frees us from self-hate and stirs within a genuine sense of good will toward others.