Throughout our lives, and regardless of age, we might grapple with feelings of inferiority.
We may even convince ourselves that we are less valuable, or of lessor importance, than others. This can be caused by unkind remarks from peers, unhealthy competitive climates, physical differences, difficulties in our relationships, and many other things.
Feelings of inferiority can significantly influence our personalities and the way we respond to life’s challenges. As Christians, though, it’s essential to remember who we are in Christ Jesus so that these feelings of doubt don’t control us or limit our potential.
When overwhelmed by such feelings, it helps immensely to meditate on Scripture.
You are God’s beloved creation, one of his many masterpieces, uniquely designed to fulfill His divine purpose in your own unique fashion. And to do this, you are called to trust in His affirming presence and not walk with feelings of mistrust or inability.
Inferiority triggers a myriad of negative consequences. It might instill a need for perfectionism, constantly driving us to unsustainable standards, leading to procrastination when we find that we ‘can’t do’ something on our own. Or it could lead to belittling the achievements of others, in attempting to accommodate our own lack of self-esteem, instead of appreciating a job well done.
Healing from these overwhelming feelings requires focusing our perception through the lens of God’s love.
You are loved and valued by God – so much so that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins. This establishes your righteousness in Christ, nullifying any supposed sense of being ‘inferior.’
So whenever doubtful – or maybe comparing yourself to others – consider God’s passion concerning you when He says things like:
It’s clear from these verses that God loves us deeply. So as His children, and “co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), we are cherished by our Heavenly Father.
But He doesn’t expect us to be perfect, not by our own standards of what makes perfection. The fulfilling excellence that God asks of us is a perfection of ‘love.’ And that we can achieve through Jesus.
On our own, we ‘mess up’ and God knows that. But our assurance lies in knowing that He forgives us and that we can always start again (1 John 2:1). God’s expectations for us are really pretty simple. He wants us to trust Him, follow Him, obey Him, and love one another in the way that He loves us (John 13:34).
Still uncertain, about your worth and how God feels about you?
Try saying this prayer:
“Father, Thank You for making me. I am not inferior. Because You, the Master Craftsman and Creator of the universe, do not make mistakes. Please help me ward off feelings of inferiority; instead, help me to fixate on Your love for me. Let me learn to continually trust and follow You. For in You, I find my true worth and purpose. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
And try to remind yourself daily that you are both ‘worthy’ and ‘cherished’ in God’s eyes. After all, you are His divine handiwork, created by Him intentionally, with love… and He doesn’t make mistakes.
Questions to Ponder:
How might feelings of inferiority influence your life or relationships?
How can understanding and believing in God’s love help you overcome any feelings of inferiority that might crop up from time to time?
What Scripture might you keep close to your heart in order to reaffirm your worth as a loved child of God?
Related Content:
- ‘What about where the Bible says “Be perfect … as your heavenly Father is perfect”?’
- Related post on this blog: Putting on the Full Armor of God (and why we need to)
- Video Sermon, by Charles Stanley – When We Feel Inferior