The Bible is the only historical and spiritually inspired book that covers just about every topic known to man. Body image was not left out of God's discussion with His creation. You may feel like your body image issues are an isolated topic, but God is right here with you, waiting on you to pray about it and discover what He actually has to say. Learn how to apply God's word to heal your body shame in this free email series. 10 Bible Verses About Body Image Genesis 1:31 AMP God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good, and He validated it completely. And there was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day. When the Lord created you, He already validated you. That means He accepted and approved of you before you were born. God knew what He was doing when He formed you from the dust, and He gave you worth, dignity, and value that can't be taken away no matter what people say about your appearance. In the beginning, you were accepted by God. Psalm 139:14 ESV I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. God made you with awe and wonder. The Psalmist goes on to say that He intricately formed your inward parts and knew you existed in the depths of the earth. In other words, He knew your unformed body before your parents knew you were there. And you were made with great wisdom and skill. Ephesians 2:10 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. You are God's masterpiece, like an artist carefully sculpting a work of art, so He created you. And you're not created to look good, but to do good things. Your good looks are just proof that God was thoughtful in the details, but ultimately He has a purpose planned for your life. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Your body was designed to be God's temple, a dwelling place for Him to do His amazing work through you. As mentioned, you're not on earth to be a display ad for clicks and views, but to house the very presence of God. 1 Timothy 4:8 AMP For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. Your fitness goals and waist training have some value on earth. Being physically fit to handle your purpose in life is important for getting the job done. However, training in godliness is valuable in every way because it qualifies you to answer your calling and prepares you for Heaven along the way. Proverbs 31:30 ESV Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Beauty is an empty pursuit, and your attractiveness can be deceiving. Pursuing beauty and attraction are things people do to be liked by the world. But the woman who fears God and holds Him in high regard is to be praised. The world will praise you for your looks, but God says what they should praise is how you worship Him with obedience. 1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. Your physical beauty is perishable; every day we grow older. But God says the imperishable beauty is your inner spirit and how you respond to Him and other people. The beauty of your inner spirit will carry over to the other side of eternity. 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” The world will convince you that beauty is why someone is chosen; however, God does not see how we see. The person you think is the baddest and the best person to have influence may be rejected by the Lord. He is looking at the heart to see who can carry out His will. Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. What if you realized that this is how Christ sees you? The God who made you did not add flaws; He made you on purpose. And this is how Jesus looks at His Bride, the Church, who is called to be without spot or wrinkle. Romans 8:29 AMP For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. You are called to conform to the image of Christ and to share in His holiness. If we're honest, we all want to conform to the world's version of beauty and share in their glory. What if you saw the image of Jesus as the best version of yourself? Take Your Thoughts Captive Using the Word of God If you struggle with negative self-talk and have body image wounds, I want to invite you to our free Heal Body Shame series. You'll learn how to apply 2 Corinthians 10:5, cast down imaginations and everything exalting itself above God's truth. This is one of the many ways we help you immediately address body image issues and stop the lies of the enemy from deteriorating your self-worth. Start the series now. Heal Body Shame teaching videos with Jasmine

Have you ever found yourself scrutinizing your reflection before heading to church, changing outfits multiple times, yet still feeling unworthy before stepping out the door? You're definitely not alone. Countless Christian women face a silent battle each morning, caught between body shame, comparison, and the pressure to conform. We understand that God values the heart, but our minds often remain fixated on the mirror. If you're ready to reject modern culture's notion that your worth is tied to your appearance and want to align your heart with God’s truth, these 6 books will empower you to dismantle body shame and discover unshakable confidence in Christ. 1. Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild by Mary A. Kassian "True beauty isn't about hiding your body or flaunting it—it’s about walking in God-given wisdom." If you feel overwhelmed by a culture that demands sexualization while silencing godly truth, Mary Kassian gives you the visual map to step out of worldly chaos. She contrasts modern "wild" womanhood with God's design for a "wise" woman across beauty, relationships, and self-worth. What you’ll discover inside: Why media consumption silently shapes how you view your body—and how to break free. The subtle line between worldly attraction and godly dignity. How to reclaim your personal identity when the world tells you you aren't enough. Start reading Girls Gone Wise. Modesty Playbook: A Biblical Blueprint for Modest Fashion by Jasmine C. Garner If you struggle to pick outfits that balance biblical modesty with true self-confidence, I created a quick visual blueprint for you. Download The Modesty Playbook: A Biblical Blueprint for Modest Fashion for free. You'll learn how modesty relates to true body positivity and get practical outfit guides to help you dress with quiet confidence every day. 2. Pink Lips and Empty Hearts by Heather Lindsey "Dressing up and looking good will never heal a wounded soul." So many women hide behind a mask of flawless beauty, gorgeous outfits, and perfect makeup while feeling deeply insecure on the inside. Heather Lindsey writes like a big sister who loves you enough to tell you the truth: you cannot fix an internal heart problem with external fashion. Why this is a must-read: Uncovers why "looking good" on the outside never leads to feeling good on the inside. Helps you identify if you are using beauty and fashion to hide emotional wounds. Teaches you how to anchor your security in God’s love rather than human validation. Start reading Pink Lips & Empty Hearts. 3. Breaking Free From Body Shame by Jess Connolly "God didn't make a mistake when He made your physical body." If you deal with obsessive body checking, restrictive eating habits, or constant comparison, Jess Connolly takes you right back to Genesis. God looked at everything He created—including you and declared it good. Key takeaways from this book: How to stop viewing your physical body as an enemy to be controlled. The biblical truth behind Genesis 1 & 2 and what "very good" means for your body image today. Practical spiritual tools to end the daily cycle of body obsession and self-critique. Start reading Breaking Free From Body Shame. 4. Compared to Who? by Heather Creekmore "Your body image struggle isn't actually a body problem—it’s a comparison problem." Do you constantly compare your midsection, skin, or style to other women on Instagram or at church? Heather Creekmore uses humor, deep empathy, and sharp biblical insight to show you why comparison is a thief that steals your peace and how to shut it down for good. Inside this guide, you’ll uncover: Why measuring yourself against other women keeps you trapped in body dissatisfaction. How to shift your focus from "How do I look?" to "How can I serve?". The root spiritual causes behind body envy and how grace breaks the cycle. Start reading Compared to Who? 5. More Than a Body by Lexie & Lindsay Kite "Your body is an instrument for living, not an object to be looked at." While not strictly a Christian devotional, this groundbreaking work by Ph.D. twin sisters aligns powerfully with biblical truth. It dismantles "self-love" consumerism and gives you practical, research-backed tools to stop objectifying yourself and start using your body for its God-given purpose. What you’ll learn: Why "body positivity" culture often fails—and what actually works instead. How to recognize "self-objectification" and stop monitoring your body every second of the day. How to rebuild body neutrality and mental freedom. Start reading More Than a Body. 6. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller "True gospel humility isn't thinking less of yourself—it's thinking of yourself less." This short, life-changing read by Tim Keller gets straight to the heart of self-esteem and body shame. When you are constantly focused on whether you look "modest enough," "pretty enough," or "thin enough," your ego is hurting. Keller shows how the gospel releases you from the court of public opinion. Why you need this short book: Uncovers the secret to resting in Christ’s verdict rather than your own self-judgment. Shows how true gospel freedom allows you to stop obsessing over your appearance entirely. Teaches you how to walk into any room without needing approval or fearing rejection. Start reading The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness. 💬 What's Your Next Step Toward Freedom? Body image freedom doesn't happen overnight, but taking one small step toward truth today makes all the difference. Which of these books speaks to the season you are in right now? Or, if you want immediate step-by-step help with overcoming negative self-talk and body shame, join our free Heal Body Shame series.

How are Christians to engage with the body positivity and body image movement? How can we address our personal challenges with these matters? Many Christian women might feel there is no room to focus on their physical well-being. Doesn't Scripture remind us that life encompasses more than just our physical form? Yet, this doesn't eliminate the negative emotions we may experience about the body God has created for us. Skip to read: What is the purpose of our body? You are made perfect in God's image Why Self-Perception is Important What the Bible Says About Fashion What to Do When You Don't Feel Good Enough Christian women suffering with identity First, we must express gratitude to God for His understanding and concern for us. He is not a deity who turns away from our challenges; instead, He chooses to accompany us through them. He is attentive to every woman and teenager facing difficulties with self-perception and self-worth. How do I know this? He guided me through years of low self-esteem and body image struggles. Moreover, He bestowed worth and value upon humanity, crowning them as the pinnacle of His creation. "Yet you made them only a little lower than angels and crowned them with glory and honor." - Psalm 8:5 God is undoubtedly attentive to us; He manifested Himself as a human, embracing our frailty through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, let us confidently affirm that He truly cares, as stated in 1 Peter 5:7. What is the Purpose of Our Body? The Bible confidently asserts the purpose of our bodies: they are meant for the glory of God. "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:20 Glory signifies high renown or honor, magnificence and great beauty, the splendor and bliss of heaven; praise, worship, and thanksgiving to a deity. We are created to honor, worship, and praise God with our bodies. What does this entail? It involves maintaining our bodies through health and fitness (1 Cor. 3:16-17), working as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23), submitting to God's will daily (James 4:7), and keeping our bodies free from sin and impurity (Romans 6:13). Importantly, we are designed to bring God pleasure. He takes delight in us when we worship and honor Him with our entire being, and in return, He bestows upon us all of His goodness. 'Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”- Exodus 33:18-20 God Made You Perfect in His Image Christians must care about their body image because God created us in His image. Your body bears the fingerprints of God, which is profoundly significant in how you live in your body. Learn how you're created in God's image We may not retain our physical bodies forever, but we inhabit them now, and as believers, we confidently manage our image. This image is how you are recognized; it reflects your self-perception, and it influences how others see you. Your self-perception decisively shapes how you honor God's image and illuminate the light of Christ in the world. Why Self-Perception is Important Your self-perception is crucial! Understanding yourself is akin to self-awareness, and the Bible advocates for it. When you have a correct understanding of God, it shapes a proper view of yourself and, consequently, your neighbor. Pride often leads us to overly focus on our physical appearance, driven by concerns about others' opinions. If your thoughts revolve around, "Do they think I look good?" your priorities are misplaced. Instead, your focus should be, "Is God pleased with me?" God, our Righteous Judge, looks beyond appearances and examines the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 A woman's self-view reflects in her demeanor. Nonbelieving women often adopt a misguided perception of their bodies, evident in today's world. A brief scroll through social media will likely reveal someone scantily clad or even nude. The sinful nature pursues the desires of the flesh, seeking attention, self-gratification, and personal glory. As a Christian, if you follow these bodily impulses, you must seek liberation from this cycle immediately, or risk separation from the Lord. You must renew your mind with God's truth (Romans 12:1-2) and put to death the deeds of the flesh. "For if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever." - Romans 8:13 AMP What the Bible Says About Fashion By applying the scriptures, we clearly see how they perfectly balance our love and devotion to God with our love for our neighbors (society). How we present ourselves in the world is crucial for everyone, especially believers. Some argue that our fashion choices shouldn't impact others. However, just as businesses have dress codes in their policies, the Church upholds a standard of modesty. "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Everything we do represents the Kingdom of Heaven, and society has witnessed the Church misrepresent itself in significant ways. Christians must not create stumbling blocks for others by compromising God's truths. Indeed, modesty goes beyond attire; it's a heart posture. Modesty is synonymous with humility, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Regarding "toxic purity culture," while it's true that some teachings have wrongly placed the burden of modesty on women rather than men, God's word remains applicable to us all. It's acceptable to disagree with leaders, but disagreeing with God's word is both dangerous and disobedient. Visit our parent ministry if you need help applying biblical modesty to your fashion. What to Do When You Don't Feel Good Enough Many women often feel they aren't good enough or worthy. Let me ask you, who or what are you trying to measure up to? If we know that God doesn't judge by appearances to determine your worthiness, then in what way are you not good enough? Your feelings are valid, and there are reasons for your thoughts. However, it's important to understand that God doesn't overlook you if you don't fit a certain image. He chose David over his brothers despite their seemingly perfect appearances. 1 Samuel 16:7. Remember, you don't need to look like an Instagram model to fulfill God's work. Many women feel inadequate because they measure themselves against society's beauty standards. Statistics indicate that 87% of women compare themselves to online images, affecting how they treat their bodies. If you're pushing yourself into extreme fitness regimes or chasing diet trends to meet worldly standards, you're missing the glory of God. Our bodies are meant for God's glory, for His worship. We stray from this worship when we seek personal glory based on societal measures. Instead of focusing on God, we focus on self-adornment to prove our worth to a world that won't care tomorrow. This reflects a deeper issue of pride, where we worry more about others' perceptions than our acceptance by God. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith..." - Hebrews 12:2 This burden and sin easily entangle women who spend time coveting and comparing appearances. While I may not know your specific struggle, I want to highlight the main reasons many women feel unworthy. Best Bible Verses for Christian Body Image & Self-Worth Scripture Reference Biblical Truth Practical Application Genesis 1:27 You are created in the image of God (Imago Dei). Your dignity is inherent and non-negotiable. Psalm 139:13–14 You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Thank God for how He formed you instead of criticizing your features. 1 Samuel 16:7 Man looks at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Invest more energy in cultivating inner godliness than outer perfection. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price. Treat your physical body with respect and honor, not shame or abuse. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Outwardly we waste away, but inwardly we are renewed daily. Embrace aging and body transitions with the gospel perspective. Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; a woman who fears the Lord is praised. Base your confidence on your relationship with God, not physical beauty. Take steps to heal body shame today. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between worldly body positivity and biblical body image? Worldly body-positive content focuses on the human effort and willpower to heal what may be spiritual issues. It often fails to acknowledge the full picture of body, soul, and spirit. Biblical body image gives the battle back to God, the source and the Creator of our body. This provides ultimate healing and redemption for the person. Learn more about how Christian Body Image is different. Is it a sin to want to lose weight or care about my appearance as a Christian woman? It's not a sin if you want to improve your body image by losing weight. After all, you are living in this temporary body; you should feel great in it! Caring for your body and appearance is good stewardship of the temple God entrusted to you. How do I stop comparing my body to other women on social media using Scripture? Comparison often reveals areas we think we are lacking or deficient in. And 87% of women compare themselves to images online. Psalm 23:1 says, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing good." There is something you think you're lacking, and we can help you get to the bottom of it in our Body Image Detox. What does the Bible say about body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and self-hate? The Bible addresses self-hate by reminding believers that criticizing God’s creation is a rejection of the Creator's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Additionally, anyone who hates does not have the love of God in them. Body dysmorphia and severe insecurity are often rooted in spiritual warfare and false worldly metrics. Freedom comes from renewing your mind with truth (Romans 12:2) and recognizing your value as a crowned masterpiece of God (Psalm 8:5)

The internet is filled with body image content that greatly aids women struggling with their appearance and self-perception. However, discussions on God's perspective on body image and self-esteem are rare. As the Creator, God offers guidance, and for those who believe in Him, it's essential to seek His help with these struggles. God cares about every issue we face, regardless of its size, and we can confidently bring all our concerns to Him. How is Christian body image different from secular body positivity? Worldly Perspective of Body Image I recognize the potential benefits of secular body image content, as it can be useful in certain aspects. However, this perspective often overlooks the complete picture. Secular views emphasize taking control and using willpower and intense focus to improve ourselves, promoting various self-help methods grounded in human wisdom and limited experience. While these approaches may be beneficial at certain stages of life, they risk failing to address the underlying issues affecting a person's soul. Although they may show understanding and compassion to those who have experienced trauma, they do not provide a true solution for healing and cleansing the soul from iniquity and sinful behavior. Secular body image offers temporary fixes for spiritual challenges. Individuals can spend their entire lives relying on the principles of human wisdom and self-help strategies without achieving a transformation that provides lasting healing. True peace, both on earth and "within ourselves," is elusive when we rely solely on carnal philosophy. Body Image Christian Perspective The Christian perspective on body image emphasizes the biblical influence on human behavior. For any believer in Christ, it is crucial to focus on the spiritual root causes of our struggles. The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for pulling down strongholds." This underscores that some forces can hold us captive, and we cannot combat them with mere human wisdom or self-help strategies. Christian body image shifts the focus away from ourselves and directs it toward God. By learning to set our minds on things above, we can properly address everything that seems "wrong." Through the word of God and His Holy Spirit, we gain constant guidance and insight into the root issues that hinder our freedom. The greatest advantage is that we don't need to rely solely on our human strength to overcome body image and self-esteem challenges. By turning to Christ, we allow ourselves to transfer the heavy burdens from our shoulders into His capable hands. What If You Don't Believe in Jesus? Many may choose not to believe in Christ and His teachings, but it's undeniable that none of us are entirely self-made. We were created with a unique identity even before birth. It's improbable that we possess all the answers, yet there is One who does and is eager to support those who approach Him with humility. Listen to this message on our home page to discover more about God's purpose for your life and body. Worldly Body Positivity vs. Biblical Body Image Feature/Metric Secular Body Positivity Biblical Body Image Primary Focus The Self (Self-Love & Self-Worth) The Creator (God's Glory & Design) Core Message "You are beautiful and enough as you are." "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Foundation Human wisdom, culture, and willpower God’s Word, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit View of the Body An object to celebrate or display A temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) Solution to Insecurity Positive self-talk & body acceptance Renewing the mind & taking thoughts captive Ultimate Goal Personal confidence & self-fulfillment Spiritual freedom & Kingdom service Frequently Asked Questions Why does secular body positivity fail to bring lasting freedom for Christian women? Secular body positivity offers temporary emotional relief, but fails to address the spiritual roots of insecurity, shame, and vanity. Because it relies on human wisdom and changing cultural trends rather than the renewing of the mind through Scripture (Romans 12:2), it cannot heal soul-level wounds or break spiritual strongholds. We live in a very spiritual world that reveals itself in the physical realm. Is body neutrality biblical, or should Christians view their bodies differently? Body neutrality focuses on what the body does rather than how it looks, which aligns closer to Scripture than self-obsessed body positivity. However, biblical body image goes further: it views the body as purposefully crafted by God (Psalm 139:14), redeemed by Christ, and equipped specifically for Kingdom ministry rather than remaining neutral. A Christian woman cares for her body not to impress society, but to have the health, strength, and stamina to serve God and others. How do I shift my mindset from worldly self-love to Christ-centered confidence? To shift from self-love to Christ-centered confidence, replace human affirmations with biblical truth. Instead of telling yourself "I am beautiful as I am," remind yourself "I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God." True spiritual confidence comes from taking ungodly thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and fixing your eyes on Jesus. I teach you how to do this in our free Heal Body Shame series. What does the Bible say is the root cause of negative body image? The Bible traces negative body image back to the Fall (Genesis 3), where sin introduced body shame, self-consciousness, and spiritual brokenness. Insecurity today often stems from pride, worldly comparison, and spiritual distraction designed to keep women focused on outward appearance rather than their God-given identity and purpose.

Here is a video that outlines three ways low self-esteem is damaging your walk with God. A summary of the transcript is provided below, but the video offers more detailed context for each point. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and Podcast so you don't miss an episode! How does low self-esteem affect my relationship with God? 1. You may live a life of hypocrisy without realizing it. Individuals with low self-esteem often struggle to be true to themselves. They may feel insignificant or lack a sense of uniqueness. As a result, they seek validation through external achievements, such as accumulating wealth, associating with attractive partners, or attaining perfect physical appearance. To avoid judgment from others, they might project a false image, even if they privately hold a low opinion of themselves. This can lead to dishonesty or the pretense that everything is better than it appears. God disapproves of hypocrisy. Maintaining such a facade can deteriorate one's character. 2 Timothy 3:13 warns that deceivers will worsen over time, misleading others and themselves. An impostor is someone who misrepresents their true identity, embodying the "fake it to make it" mantra, which is contrary to biblical teachings. God encourages honesty with oneself and with Him. As stated in Romans 12:3, conduct an honest self-assessment, recognizing your true worth without exaggeration. Truth is not found in projection or perception; it resides in your reality. God evaluates the real you, so confront your true self when no one else is watching. 2. You will lack integrity and moral courage when you struggle with low self-esteem. This aligns perfectly with our discussion. Hypocrites lack integrity. Integrity means being honest both privately and publicly, maintaining a consistent standard regardless of who is watching. Some people change their behavior around different individuals, which is a sign of impostors who lack true stability in their identity. Proverbs 10:9 states, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." You may find yourself exaggerating, telling white lies, or covering things up because you prioritize others' perceptions over following God's word. The desire to please people can lead you to compromise your obedience to the Lord. I experienced this myself. I prioritized others' desires over God's commands. Why? Because of low self-worth. I believed I needed to earn acceptance from others, instead of recognizing that God already accepts and loves me fully. 3. Low self-esteem makes it harder to pray with boldness and faith in God's promises 🙏🏽 😔 Why? Because you're double-minded and filled with doubts, which means He won't grant your requests if you're not certain by faith that you truly desire them. (James 1:6) (Matthew 21:21) Consequently, your life lacks direction, your calling remains hidden, and your life in Christ is unproductive. Years ago, when I was in Nashville, God revealed this truth to me. I was newly divorced, and God sent several people to prophesy over me. This was in 2017, and now, in 2023, I see some of those prophecies coming to pass. He told me I needed to believe His word was meant for me. I laughed when a lady mentioned it, because just a week or two earlier, I had been frustrated during my Bible studies, unsure if God's promises truly applied to me. When you struggle with low self-esteem, it's challenging to accept the good things people say or do for you, because you feel undeserving. The truth is, regarding God's promises, we are undeserving. But Jesus died and rose again so we could break free from this bondage, boldly embrace our faith, and confidently step into our calling. So, what should you do? Repent for allowing trauma to become your god and dictate your life. Renew your mind with God's word to adopt a new perspective, and consider working with a self-esteem coach or therapist. Frequently Asked Questions Is wearing a spiritual fake mask or acting as if I have it together a sign of low self-esteem? Yes, pretending to be spiritually perfect or projecting a fake life is often rooted in low self-esteem. Insecurity makes you feel inadequate, driving you to wear a mask of hypocrisy to gain human acceptance. Scripture warns against spiritual projection (2 Timothy 3:13), calling believers to practice honest self-assessment and humble transparency before God (Romans 12:3). Does low self-esteem block my prayers or make God ignore me? Low self-esteem doesn't cause God to abandon you, but it creates double-mindedness that hinders effective prayer. Insecurity causes you to doubt whether God's promises personally apply to you. James 1:6 warns that praying with continuous doubt leaves you unstable, making it difficult to receive God's blessings with expectant faith (Matthew 21:21). Why does low self-worth make me struggle with people-pleasing and spiritual integrity? Low self-worth causes people-pleasing because you seek human validation over God's approval. When your confidence isn't anchored in Christ, you compromise your moral standards, exaggerate the truth, or tell "white lies" to stay accepted. A person who walks in secure biblical identity walks securely and without fear of exposure (Proverbs 10:9).

We can't address the need for modesty and body image healing without understanding the origins of sexual objectification & the spiritual war that's surrounding us. Sexual objectification is the act of treating a person solely as an object of sexual desire. Objectification more broadly means treating a person as a commodity or an object without regard to their personality or dignity. First, sexual sin is no stranger to the human race. It is understood that sexual sin has had its deep roots in our society since the beginning of time. Sin is our general issue, the ways in which we practice sin only further & deepen the condition. Sin causes us to mistreat God, other people, & ourselves. So in the context of sexual sin, we bring harm to ourselves (1 Cor. 6:18), harm to the recipient (1 Thess. 4:6), & ultimately offend the Holy & Most High God. (1 Thess. 4:8) these scriptures address sexual immorality, which involves two people joining together for intercourse outside of marriage. What do sexual immorality & sexual objectification have in common? They are both sexual sins. One could say the latter (objectification) leads to the other (intercourse). How is that? Because Jesus teaches that adultery starts in the heart, "when we LOOK with lust at someone we commit adultery in our heart" (Matthew 5:28) & also "if our EYES cause us to sin, pluck it out" (Matt. 5:29) Objectifying someone is imagining or looking at them in a way that reduces them to lustful desires. I am led to believe that sexual objectification is a fruit of sexual immorality. When we indulge in this sin, we harm others because we are taking what does not belong to us (their body), & using their body only as an object to please ourselves. In turn, this causes us to see other people as an object of our pleasure & a way to get our needs met. Sexual immorality causes us to see other people as an object of our pleasure & a way to get our needs met. It is self-seeking. Their name, personality, soul, & purpose don't matter when you are only thinking of yourself & that moment. You might say, "Well, my boyfriend loves & cares about me." But if only y'all knew how damaging it is to indulge your bodies in what doesn't belong to each other. Someone who cares about you wouldn't want to hurt you in this way. If He knew Christ, he would see you & love you like Christ. This leads to the next point, sexual objectification in advertising, media, and propaganda, 'doesn't matter' because you are only trying to increase sales or get a message heard. The person behind the camera doesn't matter, only the photos. The first signs of sexual objectification appeared in the 1870s when Pearl Tobacco decided to put a naked woman on their cigarette box. By the 1880s, they were the leading brand in cigarettes & other brands started catching on to their tactics (1). Sexual Advertising in the 1900s continued to trend with subtle imagery & catchphrases until now in the 2000s, it's super blatant & deemed a social norm. Today, it is normal to see a Victoria's Secret commercial AND fashion show live, when around the 1930s - the 1960s they were adamant about censoring nudity & sex in film & TV (2). Statistics show that this has led to a heightened sex appeal in men & women, and I'd beg to differ that this has contributed to misogynistic lyricism in hip-hop, uncensored television, increase in pornography, increased occurrences of sex-trafficking, & I'm sure there are plenty more shameful things unmentioned. Sin has no boundaries, it keeps going on & on & on. This plays into the record low self-esteem that women & men deal with because of sexual sin being rampant. Take a look at these ads from back when... because we see others as objects of pleasure, ads like this became another way to sell more products. Not only did we learn how to increase sales with nudity & sex appeal, but we also learned how to play on society's emotions for consumerism. "We've cracked the code! Push the imagery & the messages to the masses, so that people will emotionally respond & buy our solutions to their problems. Tell her she is nothing without this look & she'll go buy it. She'll destroy her body & health to be accepted because we told her she wasn't good enough." In ending, "Be not conformed to the world systems & customs, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, & perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) It is not God's will that we harm ourselves by self-objectifying which leads to low self-esteem & exploitation. It is not God's will that we hurt others by only seeing them as their body & meeting our needs. It is not God's will that we offend Him with our sinfulness, but that we have a restored relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Renew your mind & relationship with Him today. #trends #sexualobjectification #sexappeal #history References: Psychology For Marketers, (1) Arizona State University, (2)

I was so pleased to see that famous R&B singer K. Michelle decided to speak out about the negative effects of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Frankly, she is the only celebrity who seems willing to open up about the horrors she and others have faced. I'm also glad that Lifetime picked up the idea as a series to help shed light and bring hope and healing to the many men and women who've experienced the drawbacks of undergoing plastic surgery. I actually wrote about this epidemic a few years ago, mentioning the increase in surgeries in young adults. Previous Blog Stats (2018) Plastic surgery is on the rise with an increase of 115% since the early 2000s. - ASPS 333,000 cosmetic procedures were done in patients 18 years old and younger. - Journal of Adolescent Health Cosmetic Surgery is a $2.2 billion dollar business. - Cosmetic Surgery Trends $16.4 billion was spent on procedures in 2016. A lot of money is spent in this industry, similar to the makeup industry. I don't know any other industry that grows as fast as makeup, fashion, and surgery; I think this says a lot about us. We are obsessed with vanity! I know of 3 women close to my own circles who went to Miami to get butt surgeries. You may say, "Why do you care? It's none of your business." It's not. But I care because I don't like seeing so much poor self-image, competition, and conformity in women today. I'm willing to bet that there's a large percentage of women who seek out surgery because of culture and entertainment influence. The same reason a lot of women went bulimic or anorexic to become size 2 models. There's a standard out there that most of us wish we could meet. Updated Plastic Surgery Stats (2020) The 2020 total revenue of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic surgery in the USA was $9.31 billion - Statista The most common procedure worldwide is breast augmentation (breast increase) - Statista The plastic surgery industry saw an increase of 7.1% since 2018 - Forbes Why is Cosmetic Surgery a Problem? Some studies show that mass media and advertising may have an effect on the decisions for cosmetic surgery ( I Want to Look Like That! ) It sounds like there are millions of people, mostly women, who are unhappy with their natural appearance. Celebrity culture glorifies getting work done on their bodies, which in turn influences society to do the same thing. Are we really living in a "monkey see monkey do" society? It's crazy to think that we let other people influence how we feel about ourselves and our lives. I was so happy to see all of the Body Image Movement advocates speaking up about the issues women face with appearance and acceptance. "It's about time," was all I could say once it started getting more attention. Even the Body Image Movement has its pros and cons, it appears that in our quest to be ourselves, we are missing the biggest part about ourselves... How Does God Feel About Body Image Issues? God created humanity in His image. We bear the marks of our Great Creator who shaped us from the dust. You don't have to believe this truth, but think about how complex your body is...think about the many things that we still cannot explain. Think about how your body naturally repairs and recovers itself, yet it still dies. If God made us in His image, a body designed by a Grand Designer, with a Master Plan, the very words of God who spoke the Universe into existence, then why isn't this enough for us? Let me tell you a secret, which really isn't a secret at all; however, it is available to those who have the ears to hear it. "God has planted eternity, a sense of divine purpose, in the human heart." - Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP This means that we all have a deep longing for living forever, and we have a longing for a purpose bigger than ourselves. Could this longing that you have to stay young, stay beautiful, and stay relevant be the very evidence that you desire something deeper than the surface? Maybe what you are doing on the outside is a reflection of what you need inside of you. Again, there is nothing wrong with wanting to stay vibrant and healthy, but our desires can turn into a disaster, an epidemic of self-hatred and insecurity. I am here to tell you that there is a fountain of youth. Where is the Fountain of Youth? Sorry sis, there's no physical place for the Fountain of Youth...unless...you want to take a trip to the Dead Sea lol. I heard and read that Dead Sea minerals hold anti-aging beauty secrets 👀 which I've used before on my nails; might wanna add that to your list. But here is the secret that transforms life as you know it: God holds the Fountain of Youth and wants nothing more than to give it to you. He went all the way to the point of death just so you could have it FOREVER! Here is what God says about obtaining the fountain of youth: "And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever ." 1 John 2:17 NLT The truth is, sis, you can get all of the Botox and plastic surgery you want, but one thing is for sure: you will get old and die. However, the story doesn't end; if you do the will of God, you shall abide FOREVER. "And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth." - John 17:3 You don't have to strive and work so hard at your appearance, spending thousands to stay on top of the game. One day you will leave here, and your beauty and possessions won't go with you. Your soul goes with you. Choose to grow your soul and give it what it really wants, eternity with God, FOREVER. Learn more about God's plan for you and the world, and how you can have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Excerpts from The Fountain of Youth blog post-2018

It’s been six years since I wrote Royalty and it is still one of my most beloved songs! It was actually the final song I wrote to complete the P31 EP, bringing on a huge sigh of relief after hours of toiling and pressing to meet the project deadline. Somehow, no matter how much I try, I always end up in crunch time when it comes to releasing my albums (lol). I guess being under pressure works for me because the Holy Spirit seems to produce the best work when I am in desperate need of God’s creative power. Royalty was birthed out of my desire to motivate and empower women to recognize and embrace their true worth in Christ. At a time when the hip-hop industry and media were placing such heavy emphasis on vanity and sexuality, I wanted women to know they were worth more than their outward appearance and sexual abilities. Lyrics like, “We do not pump up our booty cause we are already too pumped up with our inner beauty” “My mind is more flawless than my hair b/ I know my intellect will make you stare g/ yeah, I know you like my virtuosity” are bold statements that remind us of 1 Peter 3:3-4. Living in a generation of women who are comfortable with being called ho's and b’s inspired me to be the voice that reminds them that they were born to be queens. We are not powerless women who need to compromise our morals and exploit our bodies to gain money and success. The truth is that it is God who has given us the power to obtain wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Royalty encourages us to use our authority and influence to pursue the blessings of the Lord that make us rich and add no sorrow. It reminds us that we are the royal priesthood and chosen generation that is called to not only enjoy those blessings for ourselves but to educate and inspire the next generation to pursue kingdom success in Christ also. About Murk Murk’s professional music career began after entering the Battle of the Praises music competition in Miami, Fl in 2012. After performing for award-winning Christian artists, Vicki Winans, Kierra Kiki Sheard, Beckah Shae, and Mr. Del, she walked away with the grand prize of $5,000 and some major exposure. This exposure landed her the attention of Grammy-nominated recording artist, minister, & CEO Mr. Del, who in 2013, offered her a recording contract on his label Dedicated Music Group. From there, she stepped out in faith, quit her job as an insurance agent, and packed up to move to Memphis, TN, to pursue her hip-hop music career and kingdom purpose. Since signing to DMG, Murk has released five music projects, including her debut album Murk In Season (2013), mixtape Still Murkin’ (2015), women’s empowerment EP, P31 (2015), sophomore album Kingdom Kulture (2017), and latest release 31 Gang (2020). Her hit song ‘P31’, which provides a hip-hop spin on the Proverbs 31 woman, landed her music video placement on the music show Next, which airs on Magic Johnson’s television network, Aspire. Read more about Murk. Follow Murk P31! IG: @murkp31 FB: /MURKP31 Website: https://www.murkp31.com

God made women very beautiful creatures. In fact, He looks at all humanity as beautiful, a masterpiece, a work of art. It is in our very nature to be noticed, recognized, & appreciated. It is not a bad thing to desire recognition & to be seen. We are people, we are alive, our lives matter in the scope of things. I want to think that being acknowledged or noticed is a part of everyday mannerisms. When we walk into a room, we greet whoever is present. We speak to people when we make eye contact. But I'm afraid that our desire for attention has become an inordinate or excessive problem. Women in particular are easily drawn to an excessive desire for attention. We often alter our look and behavior to be noticed. Let's learn what the Bible says about attention-seeking. When is Seeking Attention Okay? Let's start with the good news. It's okay to seek attention for the right reasons. Whatever our expertise, we desire to be recognized for our skill level and education. When going to a job interview, we make sure to be well-groomed and professional so that we stand out from the other applicants. We brush up on our skills, resumes, and personal development because we need the right attention. There are certain desires that we have in life, and so it is a requirement to prepare and position ourselves in a way to be seen by those who can help us reach our goals. Even in relationships, we carry ourselves a certain way to be pleasing to the eye. Not just in the matter of dress but even in our personality and character. Most people will say, "A woman doesn't need to find a man, she just has to wait," true to an extent, but a woman needs to get dressed and be presentable enough to be found by him! He's not going to find her at home. My point is, seeking attention for the right reasons is wisdom. Opportunities don't always find us, but only when we get in a position to be recognized. Attention-Seeking Examples That are Sinful Now the bad news is, seeking attention can be an inordinate desire. The Bible talks about "inordinate affections", which are similarly called lust and evil desire. Inordinate means to be excessive, unnatural, without limitation. How far can we go to be seen? We often see in movies that a young secretary looking to get a raise or promotion might undo a few buttons, wear something a little more revealing, to get the boss's attention. Or maybe even manipulate a few people so that they appear more qualified. This is desire gone wild. Online, we see many young women undressing, poking it out a little further, wearing more makeup, even getting boob and butt jobs to satisfy their inordinate desire for attention. It's a deep longing to be seen, to be loved and liked by strangers who couldn't care less what their name is. Because they have an inordinate desire also to have what they're gawking at. It's vicious. If you find yourself doing "inordinate" things for attention, then it's time to repent and change your old ways of getting it. Ask yourself: What kind of attention are you seeking and why? What will it do for you? What do you think it will accomplish? There's a root to every sin, and searching your heart to answer these questions can reveal what you're really needing. Maybe you didn't get attention growing up, maybe men have rejected you a lot... I know that feeling. If you've come to realize that your need for attention has been sinful, repent, and renew your mind in God's truth. But God says in Zechariah 2:8, "You are the apple of His eye". "Don't draw attention to yourselves by the way you look, but adorn your inner beauty which is most precious to God," 1 Peter 3:3-4. Think on these things. He can change you. If you need accountability and a deep dive into healing your self-worth, our Body Image Detox covers areas like insecurities, fear of opinions, comparison, and even the need for acceptance.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects 1.7 to 2.9% of the general population, that is about 5 to 10 million people in the United States according to the International OCD Foundation. Unfortunately, we are seeing consistent growth in the number of people diagnosed with BDD, and many celebrities have spoken out about their diagnosis. What is the cause of body dysmorphia and why is it affecting more people? Check out my Youtube video below as I discuss Doja Cat's body image issues plus a deeper look into the root causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. A short transcript is below the video. Disclaimer: I'm a Dual-Certified Body Image and Self-Esteem Coach and I'm not authorized to medically diagnose any mental illnesses. The purpose of this content is educational only. I can coach you if you have BDD and you'd like to develop a plan of action to overcome this condition. Now, on today's episode, we're going to talk about Doja Cat growing up with body image issues, and dealing with BDD symptoms, and we're going to discuss what I believe the root cause of BDD is. Disclaimer, I am not a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider. If you think you have BDD, seek a professional, I am a Body Image & Self-esteem coach and do not treat mental illness but I can probably help you if you don't need medicine. So, Doja Cat told Cosmopolitan Middle East that she struggled with body image her entire life. She said she had body dysmorphia as a teen because she hated her body and didn't like how she was growing. In the article, she mentioned that she was getting bigger and she thought she didn't look good in any of her outfits. I've known people in my lifetime who felt body shame for being curvy or like me, too skinny. So you become obsessed with not being that way. More recently, we've seen Doja Cat go through some physical changes and I honestly believe she's still dealing with BDD, even if it's undiagnosed. I talked more about my theory of celebrities who struggle with body image, it's in our Megan Fox episode about why I think most celebrities struggle with this. So many eyes are on them, so many comments, so many pictures... it causes you to worry about yourself. Mind.org UK listed common causes and treatments for BDD and it said those who model or are into fitness have a greater risk of being body dysmorphic due to the nature of those industries. I believe it's the same way for celebrities who are often in the spotlight or whose looks are the talk of the town, it can cause you to develop fears of being in the spotlight. Professionals don't know the exact cause of BDD but there are a range of different things that can contribute: ​Abuse or bullying Low self-esteem Fear of being rejected Perfectionism or comparing yourself with others Genetics (I don't think so) Depression, anxiety, or OCD But regardless of how it started, I think the common factor out of all of these is a spirit of fear. When you look at the root word, dysmorphophobia it's a fear of having a deformity. It's the fear of being ugly or abnormal. And the most common reason why people have fears about their looks is because of how other people perceive them. Think about it, if we weren't on the planet with anyone else, would you know you're ugly, fat, deformed, or beautiful? We don't realize what we are unless someone else is present. How would you know if it's wrong unless someone told you or if you saw it "perfect"? Who defines perfect anyway... These are questions to ask yourself. Who's definition am I living for? And what makes my appearance wrong? There's something I want you to understand here. If you live your life based on the subjective view of other people, you're always going to have to change. But if you live from an objective view, the fact that everyone is unique and born to be different... the fact that there isn't one look for everyone... you're living in the freedom of who you are. And keep this in mind, God didn't give us a spirit of fear. He didn't create you to live in this world just to fear what other people say. He created you to be in a close relationship with Him, living for the purpose and calling that He destined for you, in the body He created and called good. "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7 If you want help addressing BDD, and you need a support system, I'm here. Learn about my holistic and biblical methods that can help you. Subscribe to our podcast so that you don't miss the next episodes! References: International OCD Foundation Mind.org

For a good part of my education, I was the only colored person. That’s right, in a school of about 600 kids, I was the only non-white. Over the years, the school began to be populated with people from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and eventually Indians. But for a decent proportion of the time, I was the only brown person. I didn’t feel the distinction all the time. However, I definitely knew I was different when I would unwrap my roti parcel, and all my friends would have their neat little jam sandwiches with the crust cut off. I didn’t love the looks of repulsion I got when they saw my lunch. Of course, now the tables have well and truly turned, and those kids are probably wishing they hadn’t been so naïve about my homemade Indian cuisine! I should say that I didn’t experience any racism at school. In fact, I was quite included. It was only a few critical moments that would remind me of my difference. Like at lunchtime, as mentioned. Or when I had a crush on a guy. There was a girl in my class who pretty much all the guys liked at some stage. She was blonde. Pretty. Skinny. And she was sporty. Eventually, the infatuation with her subsided. But then, another year or so later, another new girl came along who all the boys became preoccupied with. She was blonde. Pretty. Skinny. And kind of sporty. I was friends with all the guys, and yet none of them ever seemed to like me. Why was that? At some point, I became aware of the obvious physical differences between the girls the guys liked and me… And I was different! Almost the opposite, really…I was brown, with black hair; nobody had told me I was pretty, and by that age, I was already shapely (it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I realized that wasn’t a bad thing). And forget about sporty. I was a typical creative person. As much as I was friends with everyone, it was very rare for a guy to like me…let alone like me back. So, I guess that’s where the mindset developed. I started to believe that beauty looked a certain way. And though I might try, I would never be a part of that elusive group called “the beautiful people”. That group was special, and I would always be on the outside of that group. I belonged to another group entirely. And I would never be able to change groups. I presumed that life was easier for them. They certainly seemed happier. They were WANTED. Everyone flocked to be around them. Barring a few close friends, the only reason why people wanted to hang out with me was to tell me their problems. Something that God clearly saw when He led me to become a counselor. Of course, over time, God has done much to heal my self-esteem issues and rework my ideas of beauty. But this belief about “the beautiful people” has been pretty hard to break down. A few years ago, in our church, this awesome, Godly couple became fairly prominent. And they typified everything that I associated with “the beautiful people”. I felt like I was in high school all over again! They sincerely challenged my beliefs when they demonstrated that they wanted to be around me! How?? We were in different groups! And groups don’t cross-pollinate, right?! I’m definitely still on a journey with this, but the most significant healing I’ve received in this area has been as a result of my learning in humility. I became really passionate about the subject of humility when I recognized pride in myself during my time as a Pastor. Since then I’ve pursued humility and battled for it. Whilst humility refers to how we behave and respond to both God and man, it also has a lot to do with placement. It pertains not only to what God says about who I am, but how God positions or categorizes me. The weight He gives me, or how He values me, directly impacts where I stand before Him. The process for internally developing the idea of “the beautiful people” group essentially happened the same way. I labeled that group accordingly because I believed they had a different value from everyone else. But when you pursue humility, your classification system changes. It no longer becomes about jocks, nerds, beautiful people, and creatives. Because it’s God's position in your life that now determines where everything else is placed. I am so much less than Him, and yet He values me inherently. He doesn’t keep me out of the categories He inhabits. Rather, He includes me in them, on account of the cross. He calls me holy, righteous, chosen, child of God, an equal in the body of Christ, royal, citizen of Heaven…I could go on. Consequently, I can’t place myself as lower than others, because the cross has determined which group or category I belong to. My old grouping system is invalid. And neither am I higher or more valuable than my brothers and sisters. True humility knows its place and its estimation of self. So, it has been one big journey of trying to eradicate my system and look to God as to how He distinguishes me. "Melanie J. Saward is a published Author and Writer. She wrote the book, 'Ministry Stinks: One Leader's Journey from Despair to Joy'. Follow her on IG: @melj_saward

We might not always realize it, but God can feel the same emotions that we feel. Of course, His emotions and thoughts are holy and high above ours. Being made in His image means we take after Him in many ways. He's the Creator, and we also create. He has authority and gave us authority. He desires a relationship with us, and we desire relationships... among many other characteristics that are similar to God and man. One of them is that He is a jealous God, not the human jealousy that comes from covetousness and hatred. His jealousy is a kind that comes from love and longing for His people. His Name is Jealous One of the 10 Commandments states, "You shall have no other god before Me for I Am a jealous God." - Exodus 20:3 further, "You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you." - Exodus 34:14 The Amplified version says, "for the Lord is a jealous (impassioned) God (demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His--") You are uniquely His and rightfully so once you've given your heart to Him. God's jealousy is a passionate commitment, similar to and symbolized often by that of a husband to an unfaithful wife. So no, He doesn't approve when we seek to please the world more than we seek to please Him. He is jealous when we try to flaunt our sex appeal to a depraved and obsessed world. He is jealous when we entertain the lusts of our flesh and disregard the Holy Spirit. Not because of envy, God envies no one, but because He loves us with a fierce love. Love does what's best for you. God Is Jealous Like a Husband I am reminded of a situation in Hollywood between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Kim spent eight months perfecting her look for the MET Gala in 2019. Kanye West stated that his wife's dress was "too sexy" and revealing. If you didn't already know, Kanye had professed faith in Jesus Christ, so he no longer had the same mind and perspective on his wife's sex appeal. He wanted Kim to dress modestly. This is how God's jealousy is for us. We are precious to Him, and He will protect us like a husband would a wife. Jesus Christ gave His life for the Church, which is His bride. A bride who is to be found faithful, pure, and unblemished upon His return for her. Are you being faithful, pure, and unblemished? Or are you too concerned about giving the world a good picture? Your makeup is flawless for the gram, but what about your walk with God? He is fiercely passionate about you remaining His. I love what 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 says, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy because I have promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted and led away from the simplicity of (your sincere) and pure devotion to Christ." This world, ruled by the devil, comes with many tricks and illusions of happiness, so many distractions lead us astray. I take comfort in the fact that God can get jealous because I realize His jealousy is a passionate love that protects me and keeps my heart set on our relationship. It's not to take anything away from us but to bring us closer to what we've always needed, and that's His love that frees us from the grips and pains of sin. The closer we get to God, the more we become jealous and fierce in our pursuit of Him. Do you have a desire to know God's plan for your life? Learn more about His grace and love for you.