Pride and Self EsteemSample

Pride and Self-Esteem – Day 3

When our self-esteem is rooted in achievements, we not only place pressure on ourselves, but we also begin to measure others by the same standard. This creates judgment instead of love. Jesus, however, always valued people for who they were, not for what they accomplished.

Question and Answer

Why is it dangerous to judge people by what they do or don’t do?
Because it measures their worth by performance, something Jesus never did. He always saw value in every person, even in their mistakes and sins.

Reflection

If Jesus valued us based on performance, we would be lost. But the good news is that He loves and values us, simply because we are God’s creation.

Zacchaeus, a corrupt and rejected figure in society, received Jesus’ attention and value (Luke 19). The adulterous woman, caught in sin, was embraced by Him (John 8). Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus consistently valuing people with brokenness.

Pride lifts us above others. Humility enables us to love as Jesus loved. Detecting pride in our hearts is not optional—it’s essential for living in the freedom and love that Jesus modeled.

Response/Application

There are practical ways to identify pride:

1. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what is hidden in your heart.
2. Observe your reactions to people and situations, since every attitude reflects what is inside your heart.
3. Live in accountability with trusted brothers and sisters who can point out pride in you.

God reveals, but it is up to us to respond humbly to what He shows us.

Suggested Action

• Pray: “Holy Spirit, please reveal if there is pride in my heart.”
• Find a trusted person who can help you detect blind spots of pride.
• Pay attention to your reactions toward others: do they reflect humility or pride?