Body positivity: How the Bible teaches you to love yourself

Are you tired of feeling inadequate when you look in the mirror? 

You are not alone. 

Women and teens all around the world are grappling with their body image. Every day, they are struggling to love and accept themselves as they are.

In today's media-driven world, these struggles are exacerbated by the unattainable beauty ideals perpetuated by magazines, advertisements, and social media platforms. 

Women and teens are bombarded with images of airbrushed models with perfect features, flawless skin, and impeccable physiques. 

The constant exposure to these standards creates a harmful cycle of self-doubt and insecurity.

However, there is hope. For Christian women and teens, you have access to a timeless guide that offers wisdom, comfort, and a radical perspective on self-love and body positivity. 

The purpose of this article is to delve into the teachings of the Bible regarding body positivity. 

This way, we can shed light on how it can empower you to embrace yourself with love and acceptance.

Love yourself as you are created in God’s Image

Imagine standing in front of a full-length mirror, examining every flaw and imperfection, feeling disheartened by what you see. 

Contrarily, the Bible reminds you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). 

God created you in His own image. That alone makes you unique and valuable. 

Your body, with all its intricacies, is a testament to God's creativity and love. 

Embrace yourself as a reflection of His divine craftsmanship. Let that truth empower you to love yourself just as you are.

God deemed His Creation as “very good”

The world often emphasizes physical perfection. Because of this, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that God declared His creation, including your body, as "very good" (Genesis 1:31). 

Despite society's ever-changing standards, God's opinion of you remains constant. 

He sees the beauty in every curve, freckle, and scar. 

By understanding that God's assessment of your body is unwavering, you can find the confidence to accept and celebrate your unique features. 

Recognize that they are part of His perfect design.

God does not look at outward appearances

Society often judges individuals based on their outward appearance. This leads to you often feeling inadequate and questioning yourself on whether you deserve to be loved and appreciated.

Conversely, the Bible reminds you that God looks beyond physical appearances and sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). 

Your worth is not determined by your outward beauty. It is by the content of your character. 

Focus on cultivating qualities like kindness, compassion, and humility. These are the qualities that God values most. 

Embrace the truth that your true beauty radiates from within.

Your love of God is more worthy of praise than your body

In a world obsessed with physical attractiveness, it's important to remember that your worth and value are not solely dependent on your body's appearance. 

The Bible teaches that loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). 

Your love for God, your faith, and your spiritual growth are far more worthy of praise than your physical attributes. 

Shift your focus from external validation to the deepening of your relationship with God, and find fulfillment in His love. This is better than seeking it from society's standards.

Unfading beauty comes from God

While fine gold and fashionable attire may catch others’ attention, the Bible reminds us that true beauty lies in something far more precious and enduring. 

It tells you that a gentle and quiet spirit, nurtured through your relationship with God, holds immense value in His eyes (1 Peter 3:4). This unfading beauty radiates from within.

Moreover, while external beauty may fade over time, the beauty that stems from a deep connection with God stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith.

It is truly worthy of your pursuit.

Care for your body that you may use it to serve in the Great Commission

As a Christian, you are called to serve others and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Your body is a vessel through which you can carry out God's work in the world. 

Taking care of your physical well-being is essential for effectively serving others and spreading the message of God's love. 

Just as you nourish your soul through prayer and scripture, remember to prioritize self-care, healthy habits, and a balanced lifestyle.

Care for your body with the mindset that you are equipping yourself to fulfill your purpose. This way, you can make a positive impact on the lives of those around you.

Few gentle reminders about self-love

Self-love takes time and it would be good to practice this the best way you can. 

As you learn to love yourself, here are a few gentle reminders that you should note.

Avoid stepping down on others

Placing a high opinion of your body and appearance should never stem from a desire to elevate yourself above others. 

The Bible teaches us humility and warns against prideful attitudes (Proverbs 16:18). 

Your value as a person does not increase by diminishing others or engaging in comparison. 

Body positivity is not about proving your superiority or using your physical appearance as a means of control or manipulation. 

Instead, it is about embracing your unique beauty. It is celebrating the diversity in others, fostering a spirit of kindness and acceptance.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to put down others' bodies to boost your own self-esteem, stop and refrain from judgment. 

Jesus taught us to treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). 

Criticizing or shaming others based on their appearance causes harm to them. Moreover, it damages your own self-worth. 

Remember that body positivity encompasses lifting others, not tearing them down. 

Choose empathy and compassion over judgment.

Avoid using your body as a source of pride

In your pursuit of body positivity, focus on building a healthy relationship with your own body. Avoid using it as a source of pride. 

Pride can lead to an inflated ego and a distorted sense of self-worth. 

Instead, acknowledge that your body is a gift from God. It is a tool to carry out His purpose in the world. 

Direct your energy towards serving others, spreading love, and contributing to the well-being of those around you. 

Let your actions and character reflect the beauty that radiates from within. Avoid relying solely on external appearances for validation.

Christian beauty

As you embark on this journey of body positivity, may you embrace the truth that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Let go of societal pressures. Instead, focus on nurturing a deep connection with God. 

It is within that relationship that the wellspring of true beauty lies. It is a gentle and quiet spirit that transcends fleeting appearances.

Moreover, as you learn to love and accept yourself, extend that same love and acceptance to others. 

Be a beacon of body positivity. Celebrate the diverse kinds of beauty that God has created.

Lift others, reject judgment and comparison, and foster a culture of kindness and inclusivity. 

In a world that often promotes unrealistic standards, you have the power to make a difference. 

Remember the words of Isaiah 40:31, which says, 

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

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