Finding Your True Self in Christ

KEY VERSES:

• 2 Corinthians 5:14–21
• Ephesians 2:10

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. What Is Self-Image?
   - Many people struggle with low self-image and negative self-talk.
   - Questions to reflect on: Do I compare myself to others? Feel like I don’t belong? Believe I’m not good enough?
2. Self-Image Has Four “Legs”
   - Like a chair, our self-image needs balance: Worthiness, Belonging, Purpose, Giftedness.
3. Leg 1: Worthiness (2 Corinthians 5:14–16)
   - We often think we’re not lovable, but Christ’s love proves we are worth everything to God.
   - Our worth isn’t based on looks or performance—it’s rooted in being loved and chosen by God.
4. Leg 2: Belonging (2 Corinthians 5:17–18)
   - We belong in God's family. We are made new and accepted no matter our past.
   - Belonging to Christ brings lasting security and connection.
5. Leg 3: Purpose (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)
   - Life without God feels meaningless. But in Christ, we are given a high calling: to help others be reconciled to God.
   - We are messengers of hope and love.
6. Leg 4: Giftedness (2 Corinthians 5:20–21)
   - We may feel untalented, but God has equipped us for our role as ambassadors.
   - Every believer is given gifts to serve and represent Christ in the world.
7. Replacing Self-Talk with Truth
   - Choose to speak God’s truth over your life.
   - You are not worthless or forgotten—you are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).

TALK ABOUT IT:

1. Which of the four “legs” of self-image—worthiness, belonging, purpose, or giftedness—do you struggle with most?
2. What kinds of negative self-talk do you often find yourself believing?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 challenge the way you view your identity?
4. What would it look like to live as someone who belongs to God’s family?
5. What gifts do you think God has placed in you that you haven’t fully used?
6. How can we support one another in replacing lies with truth?
7. Have you ever felt like God couldn’t use you? What changed?
8. How can you live as an ambassador for Christ this week?

APPLY IT:

• Start each day with affirmations based on Scripture: "God loves me," "I belong," "I have a purpose," "I am gifted."
• Identify one negative self-talk pattern and replace it with a truth from God’s Word.
• Join a community group or serve team to experience true belonging.
• Reflect on how God has uniquely gifted you—then use those gifts to serve others.
• Share your story of transformation to encourage someone else who feels stuck.
• Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17 to remind yourself that your past doesn’t define you.