The image we hold of ourselves will determine the course of our lives, unless we can look upon ourselves in the light of God's word and truly understand that we are the children of God. God loves us no matter what. I'm sure we've heard that proclaimed over and over. But to truly understand just how much God loves us we will need to ask ourselves this question.
"Why does God love me?"
How we answer this question will tell us a lot about our spiritual condition. Most of us would look back to some accomplishment. Others would say God loves them because they go to church, get good grades, treat people with respect. On and on the list would go of all the things that we think, in our own misguided way, as to why we think God loves us. In all the things we could list. We would just be scratching at a superficial skin deep level. The answer is much more simple. It's simplicity is also quite deep and profound. The answer is:
"God loves me because I'm his child."
Now we need to go a little further. Do I value myself as God does? If I don't value myself as a blood bought child of God. It will be reflected in all my relationships. If I truly believe that I'm God's beloved son in whom he is well pleased. I will be well prepared the face the world, the flesh, and the devil Knowing that weather I succeed or fail God's love for me will still be grounded in the fact that I'm his child.
If we're having trouble following and honoring God. We need to take a look at what we believe about ourselves. When I can accept and love myself as God's child. Then I with be equipped to love the Lord my God with all my heart, and my neighbor as myself.