In my youth I struggled with self-worth and often felt inadequate. I vividly recall a time in high school when I was surrounded by peers who seemed more talented, attractive, and confident than I was. The constant comparison made me feel flawed. One day, a caring teacher noticed my struggle and shared Psalm 139:14 with me. She reminded me that God’s creations are wonderful—including me!

Learning to love myself took time. I had to deliberately practice seeing myself through God’s eyes. I realized that self-love isn’t about arrogance or self-centeredness; it’s about acknowledging and appreciating the unique person God created me to be.

Psalm 139:14 declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each of us is crafted with intentionality and care by our Creator, who loves us. Understanding this helped me to break free of the chains of self-doubt and criticism. Loving oneself is a vital part of loving others; we cannot pour from an empty cup.

As we embrace God’s love for us, we find the strength to love ourselves. This self-love allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are valued and cherished. And by accepting ourselves, we can better fulfill God’s purpose for our lives and extend his love to the people around us.