MEMORY VERSE: “ I will praise thee: for I am fearfully and wonderfully made marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 17:33-36.
INTRODUCTION
Dignity represents the core beliefs you have about your worth and value. It is usually a product of one’s background and life’s experiences. It is usually relatívely stable or permanent such that it becomes an enduring determinant of several decisions later in life. Developing a positive sense of your worth is very important and indispensable to good relationship with others. It is important in marriage, corporate setting, ministry and other areas of life.
OUTLINES
- UNDERSTANDING HUMAN DIGNITY
- OVERCOMING NEGATIVE SELF- PERCEPTIONS
- UNDERSTANDING HUMAN DIGNITY
The values we hold in life as a person comes from knowing that God created us in His image and likeness Genesis 1:26-27. God holds each of us deeply in high esteem as His creatures and considers us precious enough to die for every human being Isaiah 43:4; John 3:16. To broaden our understanding, it is important to consider the three major components of human dignity: self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-love.
- Self-awareness: Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognise our emotional triggers and habits. It also involves identifying our strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge forms the basis of many personal decisions we take Judges 11:9-10; 16:15-19.
- Self-acceptance: This is a phase that comes to us as we become mature in our understanding of the indices of life. At this stage of our life, we become more patient, compassionate and kind to ourselves as we go through the challenges of life. We understand that making mistakes, experiencing setbacks, loss, or plans not working out as we would like are part of life and being human Job 1:20-22. This removes the tendency to be so anxious or tense about things happening around us and makes us feel confidently secure about the future we have God Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:27.
- Self-love: This pushes us to deliberately make effort at eating healthy, listening to our body, taking good care of ourselves, learning to forgive ourselves, letting go of toxic relationships, setting boundaries and saying ‘No’ to others when we should Ecclesiastes 2:10; Genesis 13:7-9. It helps us nurture our strengths and learn to manage our weaknesses.
2. OVERCOMING NEGATIVE SELF- PERCEPTIONS
Negative self-perception often begins in the mind Proverbs 4.23. We must identify and confront harmful thought patterns using scriptures 2 Corinthians 10:5. Replace the lies of inadequacy and low self-esteem peddled by the devil in our heart with the truth of God’s Word John 8:32; Romans 12:2. Stop comparing yourself to others, such comparison will only create discontent and insecurity in our heart 2 Corinthians 10:12 Do not live your life relying on the opinion or approval of others, your dignity as a person is based on God’s approval 1 Thessalonians 2:4. Let go of past mistakes and embrace the new identity you have in Christ Philippians 3:13-14. Accept God’s grace, knowing that His power is made perfect in your weaknesses 2 Corinthians 12:9. Speak positive scriptural words that carry the life of God and affirmation over yourself, aligning your speech with God’s scriptural truth Proverbs 18:21. Practising the attitude of gratitude at all times will help shift focus away from negative thought and toward God’s blessings 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the importance of human dignity is essential for living a confident and fulfilling life in Christ.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Proverbs 4:23.
Mon: Philippians 3:13 -14.
Tue: Proverbs 18:21.
Wed: 2 Corinthians 2:19.
Thurs: Acts 8:20.
Fri: Romans 12:2.
Sat: Ecclesiastes 2:10