Even in the hearts of those who've accepted Christ as Savior, there can exist an unhealthy attitude of 'self-abasement'. People cringe at what they see in the mirror: a physical reminder that they fall short of this world's idealized standard for beauty, success, and power.
Others may actually 'loathe' themselves because of the things they've done in the past ... or for the besetting sin that they currently wrestle against. They are haunted by vivid memories of the hurt they've caused, the irreparable damage left in their wake.
The world says that the solution to 'self-hatred' is 'self-love'. That is, at best ... a superficial temporary mind game. The Bible tells us an accurate view of life comes through understanding who God is and what He has done.
First of all, you are a sinner. What you do with that fact dictates how you judge yourself. No one is exempt ... for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
The good news is that God did not abandon you. Instead, the Lord came to set you free from that which burdens your soul ... for God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17)
The life surrendered to Christ goes through a dramatic change. Self-hatred is simply not compatible with the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification. God's divine will becomes your focus ... Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
As your love for the Lord grows ... any self-directed bitterness withers.
You can hate the sin that causes you to stumble, but you're not to hate yourself in the process ... Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2)
When you understand this type of acceptance in God, there is simply no room for 'self-hatred'.
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