March 01, 2025

Learning to Love Myself

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

— Psalm 139:14

In my youth I struggled with self-worth and often felt inadequate. I vividly recall a time in high school when I was surrounded by peers who seemed more talented, attractive, and confident than I was. The constant comparison made me feel flawed. One day, a caring teacher noticed my struggle and shared Psalm 139:14 with me. She reminded me that God’s creations are wonderful—including me!

Learning to love myself took time. I had to deliberately practice seeing myself through God’s eyes. I realized that self-love isn’t about arrogance or self-centeredness; it’s about acknowledging and appreciating the unique person God created me to be.

Psalm 139:14 declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each of us is crafted with intentionality and care by our Creator, who loves us. Understanding this helped me to break free of the chains of self-doubt and criticism. Loving oneself is a vital part of loving others; we cannot pour from an empty cup.

As we embrace God’s love for us, we find the strength to love ourselves. This self-love allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are valued and cherished. And by accepting ourselves, we can better fulfill God’s purpose for our lives and extend his love to the people around us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me. Help me to see myself through your eyes and embrace the love you have for me. Teach me to love myself so that I can love others more fully. In Jesus, Amen.

About the author — Darrell Delaney

Darrell Delaney is a pastor, leadership coach, and co-host of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork. Shaped by a story that includes early responsibility in a home marked by addiction, and later seasons of burnout and renewal, Darrell is committed to helping people return to who they are in Jesus Christ so they can live with clarity, identity, and purpose. He is the founder of Strategic Design Consultants and creator of the Lead From Wholeness™ framework, equipping values-driven leaders to build healthy rhythms, resilient teams, and mission-aligned lives. Darrell is a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership. He and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys family time, walking, reading, basketball, chess, and video games. 

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