This act of self-love is a gift, not a special status that has to be earned. This second approach to self-esteem is quite consistent with Christian theology. Christianity emphasizes that all human beings are lovable in the eyes of God and that we cannot earn our way to heaven through good works. This idea is stated clearly in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourself: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 5:8: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The concept of grace suggests that we cannot gain genuine self-esteem through our achievements, intelligence, or good works. We cannot gain genuine self-esteem by being loved or popular. We declare self-esteem, and love ourselves in spite of our shortcomings and not because of our accomplishments. The notion of faith implies that you cannot demonstrate or prove that you are basically acceptable or lovable. In fact, you can never prove that any human being is worthwhile or worthless. You can only declare your own dignity as an act of faith. Genuine self-esteem cannot be earned or taken away.
