5 Key Steps to Accepting Your Body

related resources: set free growth groups, 10 weight loss myths, eat the next meal, meet Grace 

There is a healthy balance between body obsession and hating our bodies. Somewhere in the middle is acceptance and responsibility. The way we think about our bodies will be reflected externally. Proverbs 23:7 says, For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (NKJV). Hence, you are what you think!

When a person hates their body, you can tell by the way he or she talks about it. Yet to hate your body is to reject the beautiful creation God has made in His image. Instead, you must accept your body, flaws and all, and take care of that holy temple.

1. Stop degrading your body.
‘I am so fat. Who would want me?’ ‘I’m ugly and undesirable.’ These kinds of statements are highly negative and lead to negative feelings. You would not say such things about a friend, and you shouldn’t talk about yourself this way either. Become your best encourager rather than worst critic. That voice would say, ‘You are overweight, but you’re working on it.’

2. Stop putting life on hold because you don’t like your body.
Dive in and do what you love to do. Feel good knowing that you are making every effort you can to change your weight, while accepting that your body is the Holy Spirit’s temple no matter what and a reflection of God’s likeness. Live in the present reality as you implement changes for the future.

3. Think of good things to say about yourself.
You are more than your weight. Focus on the positive qualities you have outside of your physical size. We are not asking you to boast, but do become more balanced and realistic. We all have good qualities that can be emphasized.

4. Develop your own style and personality.
Not everyone judges you by your weight. Take a chance and reach out to others rather than hiding behind your weight. Let your true personality shine.

5. Get your esteem from God.
Self-esteem is a misleading term. None of us can truly have esteem by looking to the self. The self is sinful, self-centered, and easily deceived. God esteems you just because He chose and loves you. You don’t have to earn His esteem. You already have it. Remember, He values you so much that He gave His only Son to die for you.

If we apply the RISE formula to our thoughts, here are our goals:

- Reduce: negative thoughts and self-degrading statements.

- Increase: your awareness of God; esteem and acceptance of the body you were given.

- Substitute: positive thoughts for negative ones and a view of yourself that is not defined by your weight.

- Eliminate: thinking errors