Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8340 self-respect

8340 self-respect

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 8340 self-respect

A sense of personal worth and dignity. Scripture points to the need for believers to ground their self-respect in God himself, rather than trusting in the opinion and valuation of other individuals or society as a whole.

Self-respect is often assumed

Matthew 22:39 pp Mark 12:31 See also Matthew 7:12; Matthew 19:19; Romans 12:3; Ephesians 5:29

Examples of those who had self-respect

The basis of self-respect

A relationship with God

Psalm 139:13-14 See also Psalm 30:6; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Corinthians 6:12-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 4:4

Equality in God's community

James 1:9-10 See also 1 Corinthians 12:22-25

A clear conscience and faithfulness to God

2 Corinthians 1:12 See also John 7:18; Galatians 6:4; Hebrews 13:18

God's strength is a source of self-respect

Daniel 10:19 See also Exodus 15:2; 2 Samuel 22:33; Psalm 71:5; Psalm 89:17; Psalm 118:14; 2 Timothy 4:17

Self-respect results from disciplined living

Self-respect can be lost through humiliation

Jeremiah 31:19 See also 2 Samuel 10:1-5 pp 1 Chronicles 19:1-5; 2 Samuel 13:1-22; Daniel 4:33

Self-respect can rest on wrong foundations

Galatians 6:3 See also Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Job 20:6-7; Philippians 3:4-7

Ways in which self-respect can be undermined

By others

Job 30:1-15

By the effects of sin and the work of Satan

Mark 5:2-5 pp Luke 8:27-29; Mark 5:25-28 pp Matthew 9:20-22 pp Luke 8:43-48; Luke 15:13-16; Luke 17:12-13

By unwise spiritual zeal

Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Jude 22