Self-respect is a concept that, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is deeply rooted in biblical principles and teachings. It involves recognizing one's own worth and dignity as a creation of God, made in His image. This understanding of self-respect is intertwined with the biblical call to live a life that honors God and reflects His character.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for self-respect in the Bible begins with the creation narrative. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse establishes the inherent value and dignity of every human being, as each person is made in the image of God. Recognizing this divine image is crucial for understanding one's worth and cultivating self-respect.

The Great Commandment

Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandments further underscores the importance of self-respect. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus says, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" The command to love one's neighbor as oneself implies a healthy regard for one's own well-being and dignity. Self-respect is necessary to genuinely love and respect others.

Humility and Self-Respect

The Bible also teaches that self-respect is compatible with humility. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." True self-respect does not lead to arrogance or self-centeredness but rather to a balanced view of oneself in relation to God and others.

Stewardship of the Body

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of respecting one's own body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , he writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage highlights the responsibility to care for and respect one's physical being, recognizing it as a vessel for God's presence.

Self-Examination and Growth

Self-respect also involves self-examination and a commitment to personal growth. In 2 Corinthians 13:5 , Paul encourages believers to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." This process of self-reflection and evaluation is essential for maintaining a healthy sense of self-respect, as it aligns one's life with God's standards and purposes.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not use the term "self-respect," its teachings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and cultivating this important quality. By recognizing one's worth as an image-bearer of God, loving others as oneself, practicing humility, stewarding the body, and engaging in self-examination, believers can develop a biblically grounded sense of self-respect that honors God and enriches their relationships with others.(n.) Regard for one's character; self-esteem.

Self-Respect and Self-Righteousness
... SERMON XI. SELF-RESPECT AND SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. ... If you have done right, be not afraid
to confess that either. And meanwhile keep up your self-respect. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xi self-respect and self-righteousness.htm

Self-Respect the Voice of God. December 23.
... Self-Respect the Voice of God. December 23. Never hurt any one's self-respect.
Never trample on any soul, though it may be lying ...
/.../kingsley/daily thoughts /self-respect the voice of god.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... and simple way (for our Lord's words are always simple and homely, grand and deep
and wonderful as they are), then do you not see how SELF-RESPECT would begin ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxiii the friend of.htm

George Borrow
... consequence of this love of the open air and the open country Borrow found in the
gipsies a sense of freedom and independence, and so a self- respect, which he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beeching/george borrow/george borrow.htm

Public Spirit
... able to give an intelligible, certainly not a civil answer; his countenance expressing
only vacancy, sensuality, cunning, suspicion, utter want of self-respect ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xxii public spirit.htm

The Value of Life
... murder. To abuse a man with words of contempt denies his worth, breaks down
his self-respect, and robs him of the regard of others. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter i the value of.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (I. ).
... "What shall the harvest be?". SELF-RESPECT. Let one result be, a clear impression
in the house that you, the new Curate, are a man of SELF-RESPECT. ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iv the daily walk.htm

The High Woods
... themselves to thank for it. The West Indian has self-respect, and will not
endure people who give themselves airs. He has prudence too ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

The Power of Sorrow.
... cried out, "God be merciful to me a sinner." The charge of folly brought against
oneself only proves that we feel bitterly for having lost our own self-respect ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/viii the power of sorrow.htm

Eve and Mary.
... By a contrary effect, resulting from a want of self-respect, woman becomes an easy
prey to men of vain hearts and frivolous minds, who, not thinking themselves ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter v eve and mary.htm

Self-respect (1 Occurrence)
Self-respect. Self-recommendation, Self-respect. Self-respecting . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... Multi-Version Concordance Self-respect (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/self-respect.htm - 6k

Pride (277 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A sense of one's own worth, and abhorrence of what is beneath or unworthy
of one; lofty self-respect; noble self-esteem; elevation of character ...
/p/pride.htm - 37k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Having a feeling of high self-respect or self-esteem; exulting
(in); elated; -- often with of; as, proud of one's country. ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

Smile (4 Occurrences)
... no more." (See NAS). Proverbs 31:25 Strength and self-respect are her clothing;
she is facing the future with a smile. (BBE NAS). ...
/s/smile.htm - 8k

Self-recommendation (1 Occurrence)
Self-recommendation. Self-produced, Self-recommendation. Self-respect .
Multi-Version Concordance ... (WEY). Self-produced, Self-recommendation. Self-respect...
/s/self-recommendation.htm - 6k

Smiles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smiles (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 31:25 Strength and
self-respect are her clothing; she is facing the future with a smile. (See NAS). ...
/s/smiles.htm - 6k

Self-respecting (1 Occurrence)
Self-respecting. Self-respect, Self-respecting. Self-restraint . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Self-respect, Self-respecting. Self-restraint . Reference Bible
/s/self-respecting.htm - 6k

Honor (240 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect;
dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high ...
/h/honor.htm - 37k

Corinthians (3 Occurrences)
... strength, the deepest tenderness of affection, wounded feeling, sternness, irony,
rebuke, impassioned self-vindication, humility, a just self-respect, zeal for ...
/c/corinthians.htm - 77k

Facing (79 Occurrences)
... house. (BBE NIV). Proverbs 31:25 Strength and self-respect are her clothing;
she is facing the future with a smile. (BBE). Jeremiah ...
/f/facing.htm - 31k

What is self-actualization? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org

What are boundaries, and are they biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus