What does the Bible say about self hatred?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls us not to despise ourselves, but to turn from condemning self-hatred to humble repentance and faith in God’s mercy through Christ. Romans 8:1 declares that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, while 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and cleansing to those who confess sin. Our worth is not founded on self-esteem or personal achievement, but on God’s gracious creation, redemption, and sustaining care. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says believers belong to God and were bought with a price. In weakness, Christ’s grace is sufficient, as 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches. Forgetting what lies behind, we may press on in hope, trusting the God who heals the brokenhearted and delivers his people, as Psalms 34:17-20 affirms.
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- Psalms 34:17-20
[17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
- Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
- 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Ephesians 5:29
For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Proverbs 15:32
He who refuses correction despises his own soul, But he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
- Philippians 3:13-14
[13] Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
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