Growing in Healthy Self-Esteem as Christians

In recent years, the topic of self-esteem has been discussed widely in psychology, education, and popular culture. Often, self-esteem is described in shallow terms: “think positive,” “tell yourself you’re great,” or “never doubt yourself.” While these ideas may sound encouraging, they often fail to address the deeper truth of who we are as human persons created by God. Christian faith offers a richer and more honest understanding of self-esteem — one rooted not in self-praise, but in truth, responsibility, and love.

Healthy self-esteem, at its core, means being at peace with who we are. It means acknowledging our weaknesses without despair and recognizing our dignity without pride. As Catholic writer Henri Nouwen beautifully explains, “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the Beloved.” True self-esteem begins when we accept that we are loved by God, not because we are perfect, but because we are His.

At the same time, genuine self-esteem does not grow from feelings alone. It is not something we talk ourselves into; it is something we slowly build through the way we live.

Be Faithful in Small Promises

One of the most common struggles behind low self-esteem is the habit of making promises to ourselves that we cannot realistically keep. We set goals that are too big, too vague, or too ambitious, and when we fail, we feel discouraged and ashamed. Over time, this creates an inner voice that says, “I can’t be trusted — even by myself.”

From a Christian perspective, faithfulness begins with small steps. Jesus Himself teaches this principle: “Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). When we set modest, achievable goals — and follow through — we begin to rebuild trust within our own hearts.

Catholic author Matthew Kelly often reminds us that holiness grows through daily choices, not dramatic moments. He writes, “The smallest good decision, repeated consistently, will take you further than the grandest intention never acted upon.” Each small act of faithfulness—keeping a prayer time, speaking kindly, choosing patience — becomes a brick in the foundation of healthy self-esteem.

Learn When to Ask for Help and When to Try First

The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Asking for help is not a weakness; it is often an act of humility. However, there is a difference between asking for help because we truly need it and asking for help simply to escape discomfort, fear, or responsibility.

When we ask for help too quickly — before trying — we unintentionally tell ourselves that we are incapable. Over time, this damages our confidence and sense of responsibility. God created us with reason, creativity, and strength. He expects us to use them.

Pope Francis speaks often about this balance. He says, “The Lord does not save us by magic; He saves us by respecting our freedom and calling us to act.” When we first attempt to face a challenge — whether emotional, practical, or spiritual — we grow in confidence, even if we later still need help.

Healthy self-esteem grows when we discover that, with God’s grace, we are more capable than we thought.

Do Not Entertain Every Thought

One of the greatest sources of low self-esteem is not what happens to us, but what we allow to repeat endlessly in our minds. Negative thoughts, painful memories, and imagined judgments often replay themselves automatically. But just because a thought appears does not mean we must engage with it.

Catholic psychologist and writer Dr. Gregory Bottaro explains, “Thoughts are invitations, not commands.” We can acknowledge them without following them. We can notice them without obeying them.

Spiritually, this practice is deeply connected to the Christian virtue of watchfulness. The Desert Fathers taught that while we cannot stop birds from flying over our heads, we can stop them from building nests in our hair. Learning to gently redirect our attention — toward prayer, service, or something constructive — is an essential skill for emotional and spiritual health.

Self-esteem improves when we stop treating every critical or fearful thought as truth.

Choose Values Over Feelings

Many people believe that happiness comes from “following your feelings.” Christianity offers a different wisdom: happiness comes from living according to truth and love — even when it is difficult.

The people we most admire are not those who always felt confident or comfortable, but those who chose courage, compassion, and faithfulness despite fear or discomfort. St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “God does not call us to be successful; He calls us to be faithful.”

Feelings change. Values endure. When we consistently choose our values — honesty over comfort, kindness over anger, responsibility over laziness — we slowly develop respect for ourselves. We may still struggle emotionally, but deep within we know we are living truthfully.

Catholic writer Bishop Robert Barron notes, “The moral life is not about self-expression; it is about self-gift.” Every time we choose our values, we strengthen our inner sense of dignity.

A Christian Vision of Self-Esteem

Christian self-esteem is neither arrogance nor self-hatred. It is grounded humility — the quiet confidence of someone who knows they are loved by God and striving, imperfectly but sincerely, to live according to that love.

We will fail at times. We will feel weak. But our worth does not disappear when we struggle. As Henri Nouwen reminds us, “Being the Beloved means letting the truth of our belovedness shape everything we do.”

When we live faithfully, seek help wisely, manage our thoughts, and choose values over feelings, we grow — not only in self-esteem, but in holiness. And in that growth, we discover a deeper peace: the peace of knowing who we are in God’s eyes.

Hieromonk Gabriel Haber, OSBM