Spiritual redemption is the first key toward developing a correct self-image. People who do not know Jesus as Savior may claim that they think healthy thoughts about themselves, but most unbelievers I know who state that they are self-sufficient in themselves and do not need Christ are miserable people in crises. They are like beautiful flowering weeds with no strong root system.

These people have only themselves upon which to rely for strength, energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and new methods. Eventually, they get to the end of themselves. They do not have the Holy Spirit residing in them to transform their lives in Christ in a way that is based on truth and is comforting even in times of chastisement.

Having a relationship with Christ Jesus resolves many issues that undermine emotional wholeness: 

–feeling guilty. Guilt is created when you have unforgiven sin. When you ask for God’s forgiveness, you are forgiven. Guilt is washed away. 

–feeling unloved. When you turn to Christ, you realize that God loves you and desires to have an eternal relationship with you!

–having a spirit of revenge. Once you have accepted God’s free gift of salvation, you are no longer in a position to  justify why God should not forgive others who are also sinners in need of a Savior. What God has done for you, He desires to do for all men and woman, regardless of their past. 

 –striving to earn favor with God. God’s gift of salvation is free. You cannot earn it, buy it or achieved it through good works. You do not deserve it. When you truly are born anew spiritually, you will realize that any favor you have with God is on the basis of what Christ has done, is doing, and will do in your and through you.

originally written by Dr. Mike Rouse, used by permission, edited

Spiritual redemption is the first key toward developing a correct self-image. People who do not know Jesus as Savior may claim that they think healthy thoughts about themselves, but most unbelievers I know who state that they are self-sufficient in themselves and do not need Christ are miserable people in crises. They are like beautiful flowering weeds with no strong root system.

These people have only themselves upon which to rely for strength, energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and new methods. Eventually, they get to the end of themselves. They do not have the Holy Spirit residing in them to transform their lives in Christ in a way that is based on truth and is comforting even in times of chastisement.

Having a relationship with Christ Jesus resolves many issues that undermine emotional wholeness: 

–feeling guilty. Guilt is created when you have unforgiven sin. When you ask for God’s forgiveness, you are forgiven. Guilt is washed away. 

–feeling unloved. When you turn to Christ, you realize that God loves you and desires to have an eternal relationship with you!

–having a spirit of revenge. Once you have accepted God’s free gift of salvation, you are no longer in a position to  justify why God should not forgive others who are also sinners in need of a Savior. What God has done for you, He desires to do for all men and woman, regardless of their past. 

 –striving to earn favor with God. God’s gift of salvation is free. You cannot earn it, buy it or achieved it through good works. You do not deserve it. When you truly are born anew spiritually, you will realize that any favor you have with God is on the basis of what Christ has done, is doing, and will do in your and through you.

originally written by Dr. Mike Rouse, used by permission, edited