There is nothing inherently sinful about having a good self-image. Self-centeredness is wrong; but there is a great difference between selfishness and good self-esteem. God wants us to feel good about ourselves. In fact, He sent His Son so that we might enjoy a “full and abundant life” (Jn. 10:10). God does not rejoice when our feet get kicked out from under us and we find ourselves flat on our faces, bruised and battered by life’s setbacks. To the contrary, God hurts when we hurt. Jesus is a high priest who can “sympathize with our weaknesses” because He “has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).
Because God wants us to be happy and feel good about ourselves, He has given us His word as a guide to joyous living. The “dos and don’ts” of the Bible are not given to inflict pain, but joy. Even the Law of Moses was given for the good of the people. Moses asked this very telling question: “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. 10:12–13). Every parent knows what “for Your good” means. As children, we tried to bend the rules a little only to discover later that the rules had been given “for our good.” Likewise, we can be sure that every command of God is for our good and for our ultimate happiness. God’s word provides us with a sense of security and well-being because our Father cares enough to set boundaries. When we follow His teaching, we feel good. We were created in His image and He loves us so much that He gave His only Son so that we might live forever in His presence. This sense of His abiding love frees us from self-hate and stirs within us a love for God and others (1 Jn. 4:19).
— Glen Elliott —