Have you ever experienced body shaming or felt inadequate? You're not alone. According to the Dove Global Beauty and Confidence Report (2016), 70% of girls aged 10-18 reported feeling body-shamed. Similarly, the National Eating Disorder Association (2018) found that 57% of boys in the same age group experienced body dissatisfaction.

These statistics are alarming, and the consequences can be severe. The American Psychological Association (2018) reports that low self-esteem increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

The Biblical Perspective

As a believer, it's essential to understand that your physical appearance is not the image of God. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are created in God's image, but this refers to your spiritual identity in Christ, not your physical attributes. If it were to be our physical features, one would wonder how God would look like because He has sons and daughters of different shapes and sizes. So, your physical features cannot be the image of God.

Hebrews 1:3 clarifies that Christ is the express image of God. So, anyone in Christ is the one who is the image of God.  Therefore, as a believer, you are the image of God. This knowledge brings freedom from the need for external validation.

Your Identity in Christ

Colossians 2:10 assures us that we are complete in Christ. You are complete means that you are lacking nothing. You are enough. Your body type, temperament, or physical appearance does not define you, God’s word does. 

You are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and your true beauty lies in cultivating the fruit of the Spirit and not in physical adornment only (Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 3:3-4)

Your Body: A Temple of God

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. You carry divinity within you, making you invaluable.

“You self no small” “God Dey inside you”

God's Unconditional Love

1 John 3:1 declares that we are children of God, loved unconditionally. Your worth is not measured by external standards but by God's unwavering love.

As a child of God, it is an error to be suffering from low self-esteem. You are approved by God. God sees you, you are worth more than many sparrows to Him.

Practical Applications

1. Focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

2. Prioritize inner beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4).

3. Remind yourself daily of God's love and acceptance.

4. Take care of your body, as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Stay fit and eat healthy. God needs your body for His purpose. 

Daily Affirmations

1. I am loved.

2. I am beautifully made.

3. I am chosen.

4. I am the image of God.

5. God's Spirit dwells in me.

6. I am complete in Christ.

7. My body shape is perfect in God's design.

Remember, your worth and value come from being a child of God. No external validation can compare to His unconditional love.
So, why worry yourself about the body that will later be swallowed up in immortality. Hey, a glorious body awaits you as a child of God. Focus on your realities in Christ and not trying to win men’s approval.

Did you learn something? Kindly write your perspective about body-shaming in the comment section.