Today, many people out there think less of themselves. They have a problem with the way they look and complain about the way they were created. 

Unfortunately, many are on a mission to alter the way God made them at all costs because they lack self acceptance.

They feel if they add a little here and there, it will make them perfect or fit in. 

But, those are just lies that limit and distract people from embracing their uniqueness and becoming what God made them to be.

Perhaps you’re one of those struggling to embrace their uniqueness and break free from negative self comparison. Worry less, in this guide I’ll walk you through how to cultivate self acceptance in our world of comparison.

Let’s begin.

Overcome Low Self-Esteem With Self Acceptance

Low self-esteem is the virus that has limited the growth of many people. 

However, God had never made a mistake concerning whatever He had created—everything He made was good and pleasing to Him.

Hence, you’re unique and different, don’t let what you see or hear about others influence the way you look and esteem yourself. 

Imagine that everyone looked the same and did the same thing, what would the world be like? Awkward, deprived of beauty and uniqueness.

So, It’s time to embrace self acceptance for who you’re and learn the tactics of overcoming low self-esteem through the way God sees you. 

I recommend you read my personal journey on overcoming low self-esteem shared on Candidly Christian. 

There, I shared how God changed my perspective to view my worth through His word and not what the world says. 

You Are Unique and Valuable

Everybody is special, unique and valuable in their own way. 

Hence, It’s wrong to think someone is better than you or you are better than someone else—we all have our strengths and weaknesses. 

In other words, we compliment each other!

So, your areas of weakness might be another person’s area of strength and vice versa. In essence, we need each other to grow and achieve our goals—no one is an island all by themselves.

Instead of complaining or struggling to be like someone else chose to give God thanks for creating you the way He did.

Therefore, self acceptance begins when you realize that you’re a vessel in the hands of the potter who is God. 

A vessel can’t dictate to his potter what he wants to be neither can he say his masters don’t know what is best for him. Instead, he silently obeys and heeds to the process of his master, knowing fully well that whatever he turns out to be was what the master envisioned in his heart for him.

You Are God’s Handiworks

Your strengths and weaknesses are what makes you unique and different from every other person.

Hence, choose self acceptance and invest in building your strengths to overshadow your weaknesses. 

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].—Ephesians 2:10

The above scripture made it clear to us that we’re God’s handiworks created in Christ Jesus unto good works. If you weren’t complete or perfect, He won’t have predestined you unto good works. 

You’re the dwelling place of God’s spirit, this makes you unique and special to God.

Henceforth, when you behold yourself in the mirror, see Christ, for you’re created in Jesus Christ unto good works—in Him you’re complete. 

Therefore, your self acceptance should stem from Christ, who He is, and what He has done and not from your looks, possessions, status, or influence.

Remember you’re created in the image and likeness of God and not in the form of another person on earth. Also, don’t let the achievement or success of others make you think less of yourself.

In contrast, choose to build upon your strength, because the more you grow your strength your weaknesses become invisible.

Compare Yourself to Christ

You’re able to overcome low self-esteem when you compare your life to Christ Jesus instead of someone else. 

Negative comparison to others makes you dislike your uniqueness. However, when you compare yourself to Christ you’re able to attain self acceptance and love yourself more. 

Also, your weaknesses and flaws aren’t there to discourage you from becoming who God wants you to be. Rather draws you to trust in Christ as your source of strength.

Most importantly, when you trust in God you will realize that God’s grace and strength are sufficient in your weaknesses.

“…for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!—2 Corinthians 12:9

Besides, the time wasted on negative self-comparison should be devoted to your fellowship with God. During the fellowship, always pray that God takes away anything that doesn’t reflect Him in your life! 

In addition, allow Jesus to transform you into what He wants you to be—don’t obstruct the process by struggling to be like someone else.

Final Thoughts on How to Cultivate Self Acceptance in Our World of Comparison

Self acceptance in our world of comparison is possible when you keep yourself reminded about God’s truth—His Word!

Hence, you should write out the Word of God that speaks personally to you and reminds you of your uniqueness on sticky notes. Next, place them at strategic places in your house and office where you can see them regularly.

The truth remains that I need you just the way you need me, we are one body in Christ.

As a result, we need to work together to see each other grow and not tear each other down. In other words, when we fellowship together and celebrate each other’s uniqueness, we enable ourselves to accept our differences.

So, what steps are you taking to cultivate self acceptance in our world of comparison? Do share in the comments.