Biblical Answer

Embracing Self-Worth Beyond Success

As a Christian, we understand that our self-worth is not defined by our achievements or failures. Our identity is rooted in who we are in Christ, and that is a truth that cannot be shaken by external circumstances. When we lose a business or experience failure, it can be tempting to define ourselves by that event. However, the Bible teaches us that we are not our failures, but rather children of God, created in His image (Genesis 1:27). Our worth and value come from our relationship with Him, not from our successes or failures.

Learning from Failure and Persevering

The Bible is full of stories of people who experienced failure, but did not let it define them. For example, the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 teaches us that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles. When we fail, we can choose to give up or we can use that experience as a learning opportunity. As the Bible says, "You may learn vital lessons from your failures and become stronger" (158). By persevering and learning from our mistakes, we can grow and become more resilient. This mindset shift can help us to reframe our understanding of failure and see it as a stepping stone to success.

Finding Identity in Christ

Ultimately, our self-worth is not tied to our achievements or failures, but to our identity in Christ. When we fail, we can choose to focus on our worth in God's eyes, rather than our worth in the eyes of others. As the Bible says, "I am not my own, I am bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This truth can give us the courage to keep going, even in the face of failure. By fixing our eyes on Christ and His love for us, we can find a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external circumstances. This is the good news of the gospel, and it is available to us all, regardless of our successes or failures.