What does it really mean to respect yourself?
For many of us, it feels easier to respect others than it does to show that same honour toward ourselves. And yet, without self-respect, it becomes nearly impossible to set healthy boundaries, to walk away from relationships that no longer serve us, or to believe we deserve more than “just enough.”
Self-respect is not pride. It’s not arrogance. It’s simply agreeing with the truth of what God already says about you: that you are loved, chosen, and worthy.
1. What Self-Respect Really Is
Self-respect isn’t about being stubborn or self-centered—it’s about:
Recognising your God-given value.
Refusing to shrink yourself to fit circumstances.
Living as someone who believes their worth is not negotiable.
2. Why We Sometimes Struggle With It
We often settle for less out of:
Fear that what we deserve is unattainable (too costly, too good, too distant).
Habit of compromising because we’ve always done so.
Shame from past wounds that whisper: “Who are you to ask for more?”
But settling doesn’t protect us—it only delays healing.
3. The Connection to Boundaries & Relationships
In past episodes we’ve talked about boundaries and walking away without guilt. But here’s the truth:
Boundaries come after self-respect.
Without self-respect, boundaries feel shaky, forced, or guilt-ridden.
With self-respect, boundaries become natural, because you no longer question whether you’re worthy of them.
This also means grieving relationships that no longer align with who you’re becoming. Respecting yourself sometimes requires releasing connections—friendships, romances, or dynamics—that cannot honour the new version of you who has learned her worth.
4. A Biblical View of Self-Respect
God calls you to see yourself as He does:
Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Isaiah 43:4 – “You are precious in my eyes, and honoured, and I love you.”
Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Respecting yourself is not self-glorification—it’s worship. It’s choosing to live in agreement with God’s truth rather than the lies of fear, shame, or lack.
5. A Practice for This Week
Take a quiet moment to reflect or journal:
Where in my life am I settling out of fear or shame?
What would it look like to respond with self-respect instead?
How can I remind myself daily of my worth in Christ?
Affirmation
“I will not shrink my worth to fit my circumstances.
I am worthy of respect because God calls me worthy.”
Closing Verse
Proverbs 31:25 –
“She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.”
Outro Invitation
If this episode spoke to you, remember—you are not too much, and you are not asking for too much. Self-respect is where boundaries, healing, and healthy love begin.
Thank you for supporting this space.You can always reach me at belovedwithcherise@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments.
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Beloved, you are deeply loved, already chosen, and completely known.
Until next time—stay rooted in truth, wrapped in grace, and never forget: you are beloved. 💛
