That does mean we ought to love ourselves. Paul also told us to think highly of ourselves—but not more highly than he ought to think (Romans 12:3). We sometimes believe that we should grovel before everyone. That is not God’s intent. He wants us to remain humble before Him, to respect all others, but also to know who we are—His children (Romans 8:17). That is nothing to be ashamed about and yet we must not boast because all we are is a gift from Him.

Rhetta Hughes once noticed the ego of directors in the theater. She wrote: “There are two kinds of directors in the theater. Those who think they are God and those are certain of it.” That is an example thinking too highly of oneself. We can remain both bold and humble if we fully understand and remember who we really are and how much we trust our Father in heaven. No father wants his children to grovel, and he does not want them to be boastful. Be thankful for the gifts God has given you, and recognize Him as the giver of every good gift.