What Happens When You Finally Respect Yourself?

Self-honor matters too.

I didn’t always respect the man I was becoming. I respected my ministry, my work ethic, my ability to survive pressure—sure. But myself? The person behind the titles, the man who went home exhausted, the man who held too much in? That took time.

Somewhere along the way I realized something important: I was honoring everyone but me. I poured into people, supported, showed up, prayed, carried, led—but I didn’t extend that same grace, love, or patience to myself. And it caught up with me. Emotionally. Spiritually. Physically.

Respecting yourself isn’t pride. It’s stewardship. It’s saying, “I matter too.” And honestly, that revelation didn’t come when I was winning—it came when I was recovering from decisions I wish I’d handled differently… seasons where I let people’s expectations shape me into someone I barely recognized.

But God has a way of reintroducing you to yourself.

I’m in a season now where I’m growing into someone I actually respect—quietly, steadily, daily. Not because I’m perfect, but because I’m accountable. Because I’m healing. Because I’m aligning with who God has been trying to show me I am.

Self-respect looks like:

– saying no without apologizing,

– honoring your body and mind,

– refusing to shrink to be accepted,

– letting go of relationships that drain the life out of you,

– healing instead of pretending,

– being truthful about your needs,

– and showing up for yourself with the same commitment you show up for others.

The Bible reminds us in NLT that “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23). Guarding your heart is part of respecting yourself. It’s part of honoring who God made you to be.

I’m learning that becoming someone you respect isn’t about achievements—it’s about integrity. It’s about walking into rooms and knowing you’re not performing… you’re present. You’re honest. You’re whole.

And the best part? Respect grows when you stop rushing your transformation. Healing takes time. Maturity takes time. Rebuilding confidence takes time. But you can feel the shift—the quiet strength that comes when you stop living to be impressive and start living to be authentic.

If you’re becoming someone you respect, keep going. If you’re not there yet, breathe—you’re on your way. And if God is guiding the process, you’re becoming someone you can be proud of.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.