Are You at Peace with yourself?

"I am at peace with myself." This phrase is often used by celebrities in interviews when asked if there is anything they regret or would do differently with their current knowledge. However, the idea of being "at peace with oneself" has long since moved beyond the scope of such interviews and has become a topic that more and more people are concerned with.

One expression of this self-acceptance can be found in so-called affirmations. Simply put, affirmations are positive, empowering words that people speak about themselves or repeat to themselves regularly. They serve to reduce self-doubt and help restore inner balance. This sounds good at first, because each of us has days when it’s difficult to accept our personality, our appearance, or our achievements.

From a Christian perspective, it is indeed central that we accept ourselves as created and loved beings of God. The appreciation that God, as our Creator, gives us provides a foundation upon which we can consistently align our self-image positively, independent of external circumstances. This allows us to say, "I am wanted – I am rooted in God."

However, we should be cautious about seeing affirmations as a universal solution to all inner and outer problems. Especially when it comes to our guilt toward others, affirmations reach their limits. Guilt in a relationship with another person cannot simply be resolved by repeating the phrase "I am good as I am." True healing in these situations comes through acknowledging our mistakes, through forgiveness and reconciliation—not through self-affirmation.

The Bible addresses the question of guilt holistically: from interpersonal conflicts to guilt between humans and God. The biblical perspective shows that, as humans, we continually deviate from God's perfect standard through our behavior since creation. Affirmations that rely solely on our own "goodness" cannot solve this deeper problem. Even the attempt to "wash ourselves clean" before God with "good behavior" fails because we make mistakes every day.

But the Bible offers us a solution: The truth about our guilt and our imperfection that sets us free—through Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us the understanding that Jesus, as God's Son, died for our sins on the cross, thus enabling reconciliation with God.

Next Step: How do you handle the concept of forgiveness in your daily life? Ask Jesus in prayer to show you situations and people who need forgiveness.