So we have to discern this concept of self-acceptance thoughtfully as well. Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh said, in one of his informal talks to his parish, “Accept yourself, as a stone given to a sculptor. Accept how you are and that you need work to reveal the statue, i.e. what you truly can be.” In other words, reconcile yourself to being you, a beautiful creature but a work in progress. Accept also that you must give yourself over to God’s sculpting. Because there are elements that need refining and others that need excision to reveal the genuine you.

How to Be a Sinner
Peter Bouteneff