A few years ago I listened to a talk by Sister Dalton, then the Young Women General President. She shared an experience that a young woman looked in the mirror after meeting with her one day. The young lady exclaimed that she had seen herself how Christ sees her, and that her life would forever be changed. I know that if I could only see myself, for an instant, how Christ sees me, that my relationship with myself would be forever changed. I know that Heavenly Father does not see our human frailties and weaknesses when he looks at us. He sees us as he knows we can be, our perfected selves. As we learn to love the Lord, and worry about what He thinks about us, and not the world, we will have self esteem and learn to love ourselves. This is easier said than done, and I am far from perfect, but I do know it is possible.
“Your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. … God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.” (Thomas S. Monson - October 2013 General Conference “We Never Walk Alone” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/we-never-walk-alone?lang=eng)
“The second of our Lord’s two great commandments carries a double charge: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ (Matt. 22:39). Therefore, love of companion is governed, in part, by esteem of self.” (Russell M. Nelson - October 1986 General Conference “Joy Cometh in the Morning” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/joy-cometh-in-the-morning?lang=eng)
“Contrary to what you may think, an immoral act of any kind will only lower your self-esteem. Be true to yourselves, and your respect for yourself will increase. Know that yours is a divine birthright. Cultivate a good opinion of yourselves. Others may make cutting remarks concerning you. This is only a sign of their ignorance and not of your qualities. Walk with that dignity which is becoming a young woman who is a daughter of God.” (Gordon B. Hinckley - April 1996 General Conference “Stand True and Faithful” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/04/stand-true-and-faithful?lang=eng)
“If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become ‘less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,’ which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes ‘that forgiveness … is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves.’” (James E. Faust - April 2007 General Conference “The Healing Power of Forgiveness” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness?lang=eng)
“My dear friends, you are a royal generation. You were preserved to come to the earth in this time for a special purpose. Not just a few of you, but all of you. There are things for each of you to do that no one else can do as well as you. If you do not prepare to do them, they will not be done. Your mission is unique and distinctive for you. Please don’t make another have to take your place. He or she can’t do it as well as you can. If you will let Him, I testify that our Father in Heaven will walk with you through the journey of life and inspire you to know your special purpose here.” (H. Burke Peterson - April 1979 General Conference “Your Life has a Purpose” https://www.lds.org/new-era/1979/05/your-life-has-a-purpose?lang=eng)
“Feelings of worth come when a woman follows the example of the Master. Her sense of infinite worth comes from her own Christlike yearning to reach out with love, as He does.” (Russell M. Nelson - October 1989 General Conference “Woman-- Of Infinite Worth” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/10/woman-of-infinite-worth?lang=eng)
“If we love God, do His will, and fear His judgment more than men’s, we will have self-esteem.” (Ezra Taft Benson, April 1989 General Conference “Beware of Pride”https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng)
“The world would have you believe that you are of worth only if you have money, a certain physical appearance, stylish clothes, or social position. The gospel assures you that your value is not dependent on your looks or material possessions. … Part of what it means to be a Latter-day Saint is to know within your soul your eternal worth, who you really are, and why you are here on earth.” (Elaine L. Jack October 1989 General Conference “Identity of a Young Woman” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/10/identity-of-a-young-woman?lang=eng)
“Satan delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan. There is no such thing in heaven.” (Neal A. Maxwell (quoted) October 1989 General Conference “Identity of a Young Woman” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/10/identity-of-a-young-woman?lang=eng)
"You are a child of God He is the father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in you mind and hold to it. However many generations in your mortal ancestry, no matter what race or people you represent, the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God" (Boyd K. Packer, April 1989 General Conference “To Young Women and Men” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/to-young-women-and-men?lang=eng)
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