DO WE SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US?

Nicki S. Pfeifer

Ask yourself honestly: Do I truly see myself the way God sees me?

It’s easy to say we believe in God’s love, yet so often we define our worth by our performance, people’s approval, or the opinions of others. Many silently carry the weight of insecurity, unmet expectations, and past pain—allowing those things to shape how they see themselves.

But here’s the truth: God sees you differently.

And for us to grow spiritually, we must begin to see ourselves the way He does.

Paul implored the Ephesians to see this reality in Ephesians 3:17-19:

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

We may know what God says about us, but our hearts often wrestle to believe it. That inner conflict between truth and self-perception can either lead us to freedom—or keep us stuck in spiritual stagnation.

Two scriptures bring this home:

• “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  Proverbs 23:7

• “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

What we believe in our hearts—about ourselves, God, and others—shapes our entire spiritual walk. If we dwell on lies, insecurity, and shame, they will stunt our growth. But when we embrace truth, we begin to walk in freedom, purpose, and security.

I challenge you to ask God not just to speak to your mind—but to transform your heart. Let these truths take root, not just in your head, but deep in your spirit.

That kind of transformation—where God renews your mind and reshapes your heart—doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional alignment with His truth. If we want to live in the freedom God offers, we must confront the lies we’ve believed, the patterns we’ve adopted, and the voices we’ve allowed to define us.

So where do we begin?

By embracing foundational truths that help us see ourselves the way God does.

1. Stop Letting Negative Voices Define You

Too often, we allow the loudest or most hurtful voices from our past to shape how we see ourselves. Whether it’s a parent’s criticism, a friend's betrayal, or culture’s impossible standards, these voices can distort our identity. But only God's voice speaks truth about who you really are. His Word must be louder than their words.
 
2.  Overcome Performance-Based Worth

Your worth is not measured by your performance. It’s secured by God's love. You are valuable because you are His, not because of how well you “do it all.”  Let go of the belief that you must earn love, acceptance, or purpose. You don’t have to fight for your identity—Jesus already secured it for you.

3. Be Free from the Need for Approval

Lasting identity comes from knowing you are already fully accepted by God. People’s opinions are temporary; God’s love is eternal. If you constantly seek approval from others, you’ll live on an emotional rollercoaster. But when God’s approval is enough, you’ll walk in security and peace.

4. Let Go of Shame and Guilt

You are the product of God’s imagination—fearfully and wonderfully made. Your past may shape your story, but it does not define your identity. Shame says, “You are too broken,” but God says, “You are deeply loved and fully forgiven.” You are not what you’ve done—you are who He says you are.

5. Break the Lies of the Enemy

You are already loved, already chosen, already equipped. Don’t let the enemy’s lies drown out God’s truth. Satan thrives on deception and fear—but you have authority through Christ to silence those lies. Let God's voice be louder than the enemy’s accusations.

6. Walk in Authenticity with God

God doesn’t ask for a polished version of you—He desires the real, honest, unfiltered you. He’s not impressed by performance or perfection; He wants your heart. True transformation begins when we stop pretending and bring our whole selves—mess and all—into His presence. When we are authentic with God, we create space for Him to renew, heal, and reshape us from the inside out.

7. Hidden Fears and Insecurities

Sometimes we make choices rooted in fear rather than faith. Insecurity can lead us to shrink back, play it safe, or second-guess what God has spoken. True confidence comes when we trust God's voice above our fears. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it, knowing He’s with you.

8. Live What You Believe

If you truly believe you are loved and empowered by God, your life will begin to reflect it. Ask yourself: Do my choices, words, and attitudes align with what I say I believe? Living by faith means making decisions rooted in God’s truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. Real growth happens when your identity in Christ is fully expressed in how you live, love, and lead.

9. Speak Life Over Yourself

Stop making negative confessions about who you are.  Words have power—and when we constantly say things like “I’m not good enough,” “I always mess up,” or “I’ll never change,” we reinforce lies that contradict God’s truth. Scripture tells us that “The power of life and death are in the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Begin declaring what God says about you—even if you don’t feel it yet. Speak life until your heart starts to believe it.
 
10. Let God Rewrite the Story

Sometimes we live trapped in old labels or past versions of ourselves. We carry guilt, shame, or failure like it’s still who we are. But in Christ, you are a new creation. You don’t have to be defined by who you were—God wants to write a redemptive, healing, beautiful new chapter. The past may be a part of your journey, but it doesn’t get to determine your future.
 
You are not what the world says.

You are not who your past says.

You are not even who your feelings say.

You are who God says you are.

And He says you are chosen. Loved. Called. Worthy. Valuable.

You are a reflection of His grace—a masterpiece still in progress.

So, ask yourself again:

▶︎ Do I see myself the way God sees me?

▶︎ If the answer is “not yet,” you’re not alone.

But every moment of surrender brings you one step closer to living in the fullness of who you already are in Him.